2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline Power Steering Problems and Fixes 

I've had no power steering at speeds under 5mph for 6 years now in my 2008. I've been lazy and just dealt with it after taking it to half a dozen shops over the years and none of them could find any issue. It makes parking and doing any maneuver in a lot very difficult, i have to use all my strength to turn the wheel. People look at me like I can't drive haha. I will definitely check this out when it's day time, thank you so much for the video!

I just bought a used Honda Ridgeline @ around 230,000km and my power steering locks up as well when I am trying to get out of a parking spot. I’ll show my mechanic grandpa this video and hopefully it’s just the pump we have to replace as well. Thank you for this.

I just picked up a 2006 RTL with very little or no power steering when stationary. I replaced the reservoir and changed the flud today and Viola! After bleeding the system, it works perfectly now. $20 in parts and about 20 minutes. Very happy.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Although I'm not mechanically inclined, at least I'll have an understanding of what a mechanic will need to do and I can question them about the labor costs. The dealerships are always a rip off and sadly not many good mechanics in these parts. Getting work done on my 08 RL.

Thank you for the info. I really appreciate it. It does help a lot. I’m getting mine fix as I write this.

I have to say thank you. I had been watching videos on how to replace the power steering pump on my ridgeline when your video popped up. Thank you thank you. I spent .98 cents on an o ring from my local auto parts store, replaced it and voila no more noise. You saved me countless hundreds of dollars. Thank you again. 😊

Most excellent video! Thank you.

Just done it today thanks

tHanks for the run down. Good to know . I appreciate you taking the time to post.....I'm getting even more info out of the comment section.

Good stuff! Thanks!

Picking up an 06 with 194K miles on it ($4600). It needs some love, but nuttin I haven't done to our Odyssey already. Headliner is gonna be a pain and I need to source the leather insert for the front seats and steering wheel. Just did the power steering pump on our Odyssey. Be forewarned, if you ever need to replace the line, the end by the steering column is a REAL PAIN to get loose.

👍 Super helpful. Thank you!

Also the pressure switch could be either leaking or not sending the computer the info it needs

Mine is leaking from under the reservoir and around the ps cooler intake and output lines. It also has that sound when its cold for 3-5 minutes.

I replaced the power steering pump, and returning hose, reservoir, and the power steering wheel still hard when parking but easy soft when driving.

good info on the pump replaced mine awhile back when did the rack on 09. was curious on your headlights i have same ones with black housing looking to replace one that cracked but cant find them not do you know where you got yours much appreciated.

Very helpful! Any chance you created a video when you replaced the power steering pump? I think that is what I need to do with my '07

Did you ever mount your power steering fluid reservoir higher to get it above the pump? Maybe with a bracket of some sort? I’d love to hear more if you did.

I have a 2010 Honda Ridgeline. I had a new alternator put on yesterday. Now my power steering is hard to turn, when I try turning. The mechanic said that he put power steering fluid on the belt to make it turn better. I haven't heard any noise with the steering. I don't see any fluid leaking or any noise when turning. Maybe I need to get it flushed out. Plus he put some other type of power steering fluid in the Truck. It should have been Honda 's own fluid. Can you suggest anything to me to do?

Genius

Hey man! Nice looking Ridgeline, do you run oversize tires? they seem bigger than stock sizing.

Can we relocate the power steering tank?! I have same problem on 2007.

Steering was loose, rack was leaking. Replaced rack,flushed power steering, had a alignment done & tires balance. Now it steers hard. This is an 08 Ridgeline. Any ideas?

Hi, I live in Canada and mine is doing the exact same noise every cold winter start. My local Honda dealer seem to say it's a camshaft lubrication solenoid problem. They say the rubber stopper leaks on some of the solenoid valves and when the car sits for eight-hours or more and it's cold, all of the oil drains out of the vain-gear and it makes a squealing noise due to a lack of lubrication. Once the oil gets pumped to the valve it won't make the noise again until all the oil drains out. Personally I always thought it was coming from the power steering pump sucking. I have just been living with the noise for a few years now, but getting really tired of hearing it. Planning on keeping the truck for a few more years and would like to get it fix eventually. Have you had a chance to relocate the reservoir to see if it fixes the problem? Thanks

My 09 pilot made that same noise when started. Turns out it was the starter.

So, how did the pump hold up? And, at least 3 have asked… is 3 bottles of fluid enough?

How much power steering fluid did the new system need? Did the 3 pack solve the need?

Mine doesn't make that noise at all. It might be the pump

Has the pump failed since you put the cheap one in? How long has it been?

Replacement cylinder head

Hey cause Honda makes their own power steering fluid.