Center Link/Drag Link

This procedure covers the inspection and replacement of the steering rack mounting components and tie rod ends on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine. Note: This vehicle uses a rack-and-pinion steering system without a traditional center link or drag link.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Outer tie rod ends (left and right) × 2 — 53540-TVA-A01 (Right), 53560-TVA-A01 (Left) or equivalent
• Cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack mounting bushings (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn steering wheel to center position before beginning work
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Spray penetrating oil on tie rod end castle nuts and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod end cotter pins
   Using needle nose pliers or a punch, straighten and remove the cotter pins from both outer tie rod end castle nuts. Discard the old cotter pins as new ones must be installed during reassembly.
2. 2

   Loosen tie rod end castle nuts
   Using a 17mm wrench, loosen but do not fully remove the castle nuts on both outer tie rod ends where they connect to the steering knuckles. Leave the nuts threaded on by several turns to protect the threads during separation.
3. 3

   Separate tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, carefully separate the tie rod end taper from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the knuckle and tie rod end housing, then strike firmly or use screw-type separator. Once the taper breaks free, remove the castle nut completely and pull the tie rod end out of the knuckle.
   ⚠Avoid damaging the tie rod end boot during separation. If reusing tie rod ends, do not strike the threaded stud directly.
4. 4

   Mark tie rod position and remove
   Before removing the tie rod end from the inner tie rod, measure the exposed thread length or mark the position with a paint pen to maintain approximate toe setting. Unthread the outer tie rod end by turning counterclockwise. Count the number of complete turns for reference during installation.
5. 5

   Access steering rack mounting area
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the steering rack assembly behind the engine subframe. Remove any protective covers or splash shields that block access to the rack mounting bolts using the appropriate socket for cover screws.
6. 6

   Inspect steering rack mounting points
   Inspect the steering rack mounting brackets and bushings for wear, cracks, or deterioration. Check both left and right mounting points. Look for excessive play or oil contamination on the bushings. If bushings are worn or damaged, proceed with replacement; otherwise, proceed to reassembly if only tie rod ends require replacement.
7. 7

   Remove rack mounting bolts (if replacing bushings)
   If rack bushings require replacement, support the steering rack with a jack or jack stand. Remove the rack mounting bolts on both sides using the appropriate socket. Carefully lower the rack assembly slightly to access the mounting bushings. Remove old bushings and clean the mounting surfaces thoroughly with a wire brush.
   ⚠Support the steering rack weight before removing mounting bolts. Do not allow rack to hang by steering shaft or tie rods.
8. 8

   Install new rack bushings and secure rack (if applicable)
   Install new steering rack mounting bushings ensuring proper orientation and full seating. Raise the rack assembly back into position and install mounting bolts finger-tight. Torque the rack mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution.
9. 9

   Install new outer tie rod ends
   Thread the new outer tie rod ends onto the inner tie rod shafts, matching the previously recorded position or number of turns. Ensure the tie rod end threads smoothly and seats properly against the jam nut (if equipped). The approximate alignment should match the original measurement.
10. 10

    Connect tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Insert the tie rod end taper into the steering knuckle bore. Ensure the taper is fully seated and the stud is centered in the knuckle hole. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the stud by tightening slightly beyond the torque spec if needed (never loosen to align).
11. 11

    Install new cotter pins
    Insert new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and tie rod stud holes. Bend the cotter pin ends around the castle nut in opposite directions to secure. Ensure the cotter pin cannot back out during operation. Trim excess length if necessary, leaving enough material for a secure lock.
12. 12

    Reinstall protective covers and wheels
    Reinstall any splash shields or protective covers removed during the procedure, torquing cover screws to specification. Mount both front wheels onto the hubs and install lug nuts finger-tight.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Lower the vehicle carefully from jack stands until wheels contact the ground but vehicle weight is not fully on the suspension. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove the jack. Perform final lug nut torque verification in star pattern.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
2. Verify all mounting bolts and castle nuts have been torqued to specification
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel wells or under the vehicle
4. Reinstall all protective covers and splash shields removed during service

Verification

• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary, listening for any unusual noises or binding
• Check for smooth steering operation without grinding, clicking, or catching
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response and center return
• Visually inspect all connections for proper seating and security after test drive
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment immediately, as toe settings will be altered by tie rod end replacement
• After alignment, re-verify wheel lug nut torque after driving 50-100 miles

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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