Steering Gearbox Removal and Installation
Steering Gearbox Removal and InstallationSpecial Tools Required
^ Ball joint thread protector, 12 mm 07AAF-SDAA100
^ Universal eyelet 07AAK-SNAA120
^ Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL0A202
^ Fit Engine hanger adapter VSBO2C000026*
^ Engine support hanger, A and Reds AAR-T-12566*
* : These special tools are available through the Honda Tool and Equipment program, 888-424-6857
Removal
Note these items during removal:
^ Use solvent and a brush to wash any oil and dirt off the end of the steering gearbox. Avoid any electrical parts. Blow dry with compressed air.
^ Make sure to remove the steering wheel before disconnecting the steering joint to avoid damaging the cable reel.
1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio system, then write down the audio presets.
2. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF, then disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
4. Remove the front wheels.
5. Remove the steering wheel.
6. Remove the driver's dashboard undercover.
7. Remove the steering joint cover (A).
8. Remove the steering joint bolt (A), and disconnect the steering joint by moving the steering joint (B) toward the column.
9. Remove the center guide (A) (if equipped), and discard it. The center guide is for factory assembly only.
10. Remove the air cleaner.
11. Install the universal eyelet (A) to the air cleaner housing bracket (B).
12. Install the engine support hanger adapter (A) to the engine support hanger (B).
13. Install the front leg assembly (C), hook (D), and wing nut (E) onto the engine support hanger.
14. Raise the vehicle on the hoist to full height.
15. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the 10 mm nut (B), and loosen the nut.
16. Separate the tie-rod ball joint and the knuckle using the ball joint remover.
17. Remove the clip (A) from the 12 mm castle nut (B), and remove the nut.
18. Separate the lower arm ball joint and the knuckle using the ball joint remover and the ball joint thread protector.
19. Remove the stabilizer link from the stabilizer bar.
20. Disconnect the torque sensor 4P connector (A), motor angle sensor 6P connector (B), motor 1P connector (C), and motor 2P connector (D) from the driver's side of the steering gearbox. Wrap the connectors with vinyl tape to avoid the contamination from grease or water.
21. Remove the front splash shield.
22. A/T model: Loosen the mounting bolts (A) of the transmission rear mount bracket (B) on the front subframe.
23. Remove the mounting bolt (C) of the transmission rear mount bracket on the front subframe, and discard it.
NOTE: The illustration shows an A/T model.
24. Attach a wood block (A) to the lower center of the front subframe (B). Attach a jack to the center of the wood block and support the front subframe securely by raising the jack.
25. Remove the front subframe mounting bolts (C), and discard them.
26. Lower the front subframe and steering gearbox as an assembly by lowering the jack slowly.
27. Remove the 10 mm flange bolts, then remove the stiffener plates (A), the gearbox mounting bracket (B) and the mounting cushion (C).
28. Remove the steering gearbox (D) from the front subframe.
29. Remove the pinion shaft grommet (A) from the top of the torque sensor.
Installation
1. Install the pinion shaft grommet (A). Align the slot in the pinion shaft grommet with the lug portion (B) on the torque sensor. The grommet must not have a gap at the mating surface of the grommet and the torque sensor.
2. Place the steering gearbox on the front subframe.
3. Loosely install the stiffener plates (A), and the gearbox mounting bolts on the driver's side of the steering gearbox.
NOTE: Use the new mounting bolt (B) and new bolt (C).
4. Position the cutout (D) on the mounting cushion (E) as shown, and securely install it on the gearbox.
NOTE: Make sure to align the tab (F) on the mounting cushion with the paint mark (G) on the steering gearbox.
5. Install the gearbox mounting bracket (H) over the mounting cushion, and loosely install the 10 mm bolts.
6. In two or more steps, alternately tighten the 10 mm bolts on both sides of the steering gearbox to the specified torque.
7. Turn out the lip (I) of the pinion shaft grommet to ease installation.
8. Set the front subframe (A) mounting with the steering gearbox on the transmission jack and support it.
9. Carefully raise the front subframe with the jack, and pass the pinion shaft into the cabin. Return the lip (B) of the pinion shaft grommet.
NOTE:
^ Be sure that the pinion shaft grommet is securely in place. Check whether the pinion shaft grommet is not turning up. Incorrect installation can cause leakage of water, mud, or noise.
^ Take care not to damage the lower arm ball joint boot with the edge of the knuckle, etc.
10. Install the front subframe with new 14 mm flange bolts and tighten to the specified torque.
11. Install the new mounting bolt (A) on the transmission rear mount bracket (B), and tighten to the specified torque.
NOTE: The illustration shows an A/T model.
12. A/T model: Tighten the mounting bolt (C) on the transmission rear mount bracket to the specified torque.
13. Install the front splash shield.
14. Remove the vinyl tape, then connect the torque sensor 4P connector (A), steering angle sensor 6P connector (B), EPS motor 1P connector (C), and EPS motor 2P connector (D) to the steering gearbox (you will hear a click when the connectors are securely connected).
15. Connect the stabilizer links to the stabilizer bar.
16. Wipe off any grease contamination from the tapered section and threads of the lower arm ball joint. Then reconnect the lower arm (A) to the knuckle. Install the 12 mm castle nut (B) and tighten it.
NOTE:
^ Be careful not to damage the lower ball joint boot (C). Check the ball joint boot for deformation before connecting the knuckle.
^ Torque the castle nut to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the joint pin clip hole. Do not align the castle nut by loosening it.
17. Install the new clip (D).
NOTE: Insert the clip from the inside to the outside of the vehicle.
18. Wipe off any grease contamination from the tapered section and the threads of the ball joint. Reconnect the tie-rod ends (A) to the steering knuckles. Install the 10 mm nut (B), and tighten it.
19. Install the new cotter pin (C), and bend it as shown.
20. Remove the engine support hanger and the universal eyelet.
21. Install the air cleaner.
22. Center the steering rack within its stroke.
23. Adjust the steering column to the full tilt up position.
24. Insert the upper end of the steering joint onto the steering shaft (A) (line up the bolt hole (B) with the flat portion (C) on the shaft), and loosely install the upper joint bolt.
25. Slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft taking care to align the gap (D) within the angle shown.
26. Align the bolt hole (A) on the steering joint with the groove (B) around the pinion shaft, then loosely install the lower joint bolt (C).
27. Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated, then tighten the lower joint bolt to the specified torque.
28. Tighten the upper joint bolt (D) to the specified torque.
29. Install the steering joint cover (A).
30. Install the driver's dashboard undercover.
31. Install the front wheels, then set the wheels in the straight ahead position.
32. Install the steering wheel.
33. With the tires raised off the ground, check for the following symptoms by turning the steering wheel fully to the right and left several times.
34. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery, and do these items:
^ Turn the ignition switch ON (II); the SRS indicator should come on for about 6 seconds and then go off.
^ Enter the anti-theft code for the audio system, then enter the audio presets.
^ Set the clock.
^ Verify cruise control and turn signal switch operation.
^ Make sure the steering wheel is centered.
^ Do the memorizing of the torque sensor neutral position procedure.
35. After installation, do these checks:
^ Start the engine, allow it to idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times. Check that the EPS indicator does not come on.
^ Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steering wheel and rack are not centered), correct the engagement of the joint/pinion shaft serrations, then adjust the front toe by turning the tie-rod ends, if necessary.
^ Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary.