Parts for your 2017 Honda Accord-Power steering pump

Power Steering Pump on the 2017 Honda Accord - What You Need to Know

The 2017 Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability, sleek design, and modern features. When it comes to its steering system, the 2017 model doesn't actually use a traditional hydraulic power steering pump. Instead, Honda equipped this vehicle with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. This means there is no power steering pump as you might find in older vehicles or different models.

So why is there no power steering pump on the 2017 Accord? Well, many contemporary cars have been moving away from hydraulic power steering for several smart reasons. In the past, hydraulic systems relied on a belt-driven pump that used engine power to supply hydraulic fluid pressure to assist steering. While effective, this system comes with downsides like reduced fuel efficiency because the pump is always running when the engine is on. It also requires regular maintenance such as checking and changing the power steering fluid and the pump itself can wear out and leak over time.

The switch to electric power steering means the 2017 Honda Accord uses an electric motor to provide assistance rather than hydraulic pressure. This system has a number of advantages:

• Improved fuel economy since the electric motor only runs when steering assistance is needed, rather than continuously.
• Less maintenance as there is no hydraulic fluid to replace or pumps to service.
• More precise steering feel and easier integration with modern driver aids like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

Because there is no power steering pump in the 2017 Honda Accord, if an owner notices any steering issues, they should look beyond the traditional pump failure causes. Instead, problems could be related to the EPS motor, steering rack, or even electrical components controlling the steering assist.

If you are servicing your 2017 Honda Accord, the lack of a power steering pump means there are a few things to keep in mind to keep the steering system in top shape. First and foremost, since this is an electric system, there's no fluid to check or replace. This eliminates one common maintenance task but it also means servicing tends to focus more on electrical diagnostics and inspection of mechanical components.

While hydraulic systems depend heavily on fluid cleanliness and leak prevention, the EPS system's key maintenance aspects include:

• Checking the steering rack and linkages for any wear, play, or damage. Worn components can cause rough steering, noise, or reduced performance.
• Ensuring battery and charging system health. Since EPS relies on electrical power, a weak battery or alternator can lead to reduced steering assist or system faults.
• Regularly scanning for fault codes with diagnostic tools. Modern EPS units often have sensors and control modules that record issues which can help technicians diagnose any problems early.

If the steering feels heavy or you experience steering warning lights, it's a good idea to get the system inspected by a qualified technician. Repairs or replacements usually focus on electric motor assemblies or sensors rather than pumps or hydraulic hoses.

Since a traditional power steering pump isn't part of the 2017 Accord's steering system, owners can benefit from fewer routine maintenance tasks related to steering fluid changes and pump servicing. However, it's still just as important to pay attention to how the steering feels during regular use. Addressing unusual noises, stiffness, or warning lights promptly will ensure safe and comfortable driving.

In the rare event that an EPS component does need replacement, keep in mind that parts and costs differ from hydraulic systems. Electric power steering units are more electronically sophisticated, and repairs often require specialised diagnostic equipment and skills. Many workshops with experience in modern Honda vehicles will be familiar with EPS systems and can offer expert service.

So, with no power steering pump to worry about, the 2017 Honda Accord directs owners to focus on the health of its electric steering components and the mechanical parts connecting the steering wheel to the wheels. With regular inspections and attention to any changes in steering feel, drivers can enjoy the smooth, precise and fuel-efficient steering experience that the EPS system delivers.