My power steering is acting up again 3 weeks after replacing it with a used unit (comes with a 1 year warranty). I just refuse to pay the dealer $1850 to replace it with a new one.I have 195/50/15 tires and I noticed that the steering was very hard when pulling out of a parking spot or making a tight u turn from a parked position. I had an 81 Scirocco and 81 Accord without power steering before and I don't recall the steering in those cars to be nearly as stiff as it is on the Fit. I don't understand why the steering on the Fit is so stiff without power steering, considering that it is such a small car.
Has anyone had experience driving the Fit without power steering? Is it manageable, and what is it like? I will eventually get the PS repaired before the 1 year warranty expires but I want to wait and see how much more frequently it starts cutting out. Right now, its cutting out after I start the engine but turns on once I start driving.

 

I don't have answers for your other questions but, generally speaking, cars without power steering in the first place are "geared" to give you more mechanical advantage. There are usually more turns of the steering wheel lock-to-lock, and the steering wheel itself is often larger. In the particular case of the Fit (my 2007 Sport, at least), the steering is tight ratio -- smaller steering input for the same turning angle response. That gives you the quick-feel response, but it also means lower mechanical advantage and much stiffer steering when power assist is disabled.

 

it may be too late, but I think Honda issued a service bulletin 09-043 to correct the defect: IE. REPLACE EPS CONTROL MODULE. Honda also issued a warranty extension regarding the power steering failure.