itsthatprelude

Hey guys. I have a 2000 honda prelude. When I turn my steering wheel, I hear a long squeak. It doesnt matter which direction I turn it, I hear it. Any ideas?

Also im having problems turning my key in the ignition. If i put the key in all the way it wont turn. Im having to pull it out slightly to turn it. Any ideas?

thanks

Rycon

Check to make sure its not coming from your steering pump or belt, obviously check the fluid. If everything checks out with that, it may be your steering rack, which is bad news. As far as I know you cannot repair them and they must be replaced, which is a real b!tch.

itsthatprelude

First thing I checked was the ps fluid. Anyway to check to see if the pump is bad?

That 01 BB6

I had a power steering pump go bad on me before, besides the increase in noise, the only way I could tell was the bubbling of the PS fluid in the reservoir.

Other ways of telling is to pull some fluid out and see if it smells 'burned'.

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1996 Accord LX - sold
1994 Accord EX - RIP
1995 Accord V6 - sold
2001 Prelude -

itsthatprelude

Well I only seem to hear it when I slowly turn the wheel. Honestly it doesnt sound like a ps problem, but i will check for any bubbling or a burn smell, thanks. Besides the steering rack, could it be anything else? I hope its not the steering rack...

Rycon

Try to locate where the sound is coming from, have someone turn the wheel for you. Use the screwdriver stethoscope trick to see if you can figure out where its coming from.

TheJGB-2KTypeSH

I started to notice this in my 2000SH after installing a JDM Type S strutbar. It was also fall and getting colder.

Watch this you tube video it shows what to do to get rid of the noise.

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zfinatic

the key not turning would be the ignition switch. simple and easy to replace.

jkoni426

I'm thinking lower ball joints
have you (or anyone else) actually tried this at-205 reseal for squeaky suspension bushings before? I just ordered it online to hopefully fix my front suspension noise when going over bumps when it's cold out.

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itsthatprelude

thanks for all the response. im checking everything over the weekend. i just havent had the time. i will update everyone on what i find out.

minilogoguy18

Don't waste you money on an ignition just yet, just have a new key cut by the dealer going by VIN and NOT copying the old key at some random lock and key shop. The key might be worn to where it isn't moving the tumblers in the lock enough to let it turn. The squeak could be a lot of things, you and another person would just have to spend time listening for it, only thing it's doing is annoying you it sounds like.

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Dan1028

Are you hearing a squeak or a squeal? A squeal sounds like a belt/pump, but a squeak could be damned near anything.

Silly question, but is this audible from outside the car or only from inside? On cold days, my Prelude and other Hondas I've been around emanate squeaks from the steering column. If it's non-continuous (ie: only happens when actively turning the wheel, not just holding it there), and it's only audible from the inside, there could be an issue in the steering column itself. Just another thing to think about.

Keep us updated!

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itsthatprelude

i had someone else tell me the same thing. id much rather spend $45 than $300.

its a squeak. i can hear it from the inside and the outside. and its only happening when im slowly turning the wheel. if im driving at a normal pace i dont hear it