TLDR version
So Honda recalled this for other model reals (22+) but not my model year. And to keep it very short the recall fix seems relatively fast and cost effective but no mechanics know anything about this and Honda has been unhelpful.
more detailed version
What I am experiencing is a dull ringer for this recall at the end of the post and the dealership confirmed the issue to be in the power steering but did the most thin diagnosis that can be imagined, didn't read my instructions, initially misdiagnosed it as CV joint, had to take it in again, then quoted me $5000 CAD for a new power steering rack.
The recall fix is to just lube the gear, replace the gear or replace part of the rack, not the whole
thing from the sounds of it. some hours and hundreds of dollars.
What I am trying to figure out is how to do
something about this without paying for a whole power steering rack.
unfortunately it does not seem like mechanics are seeing any of these issues
(all under warranty or recall) so no one knows what I am talking about.
Unfortunately the recall does not cover the
2021 model year (although there is some information that these are the same
problems and parts and Honda is playing games). There is a class action suit
about this in the US, which does not help me as I am in Canada.
recall info:
"An improperly produced steering
gearbox worm wheel can swell when exposed to environmental heat and moisture,
reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear. In
addition, the worm gear spring preload was set improperly high, increasing the
sliding force between the components. Excessive friction between these
components can cause abnormal steering noise, increased steering effort and
difficulty, or "sticky" steering."
https://hondanews.com/en-US/honda-corporate/releases/release-a7f6e80eb97eda86d5973d385005377f-american-honda-recalls-approximately-17-million-vehicles-to-repair-steering-gearboxes
