Electric Power Steering Motor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering (EPS) motor assembly on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, which is an integrated unit mounted to the steering rack.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — OEM: 53601-TVA-A13 or equivalent
• EPS motor mounting bolts × 3 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical connector O-ring seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin (tie rod end) × 2 — Use new, OEM size

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Mark steering shaft and steering column coupling position with paint or marker for reassembly alignment
7. Lock steering wheel in center position using steering wheel lock or have assistant hold it during procedure

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove steering shaft coupling bolt
   Locate the steering shaft coupling under the dash where the steering column connects to the steering rack input shaft. Remove the pinch bolt securing the coupling. Note the shaft alignment marks you made during preparation. Carefully separate the coupling from the steering rack input shaft by sliding it upward on the column shaft.
2. 2

   Disconnect tie rod ends
   Remove the castle nut from both outer tie rod ends at the steering knuckles. Remove and discard the cotter pins. Use a tie rod end separator tool to break the taper fit between the tie rod ball stud and knuckle. Do not use excessive force with a hammer as this can damage the ball joint or knuckle threads.
   ⚠Discard old cotter pins and replace with new ones during reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove subframe brace (if equipped)
   Some Accord models have a front subframe brace that must be removed for access to the steering rack mounting bolts. Remove the bolts securing the brace to the subframe on both sides and remove the brace. Set aside hardware for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect EPS motor electrical connector
   Locate the large electrical connector on the EPS motor housing. Release the locking tab or clip securing the connector. Carefully pull the connector straight out from the motor housing. Inspect the connector and motor housing for damage or corrosion.
   ℹ️The connector has an O-ring seal that should be replaced if damaged or if fluid intrusion is present.
5. 5

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts
   Locate the two steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack assembly to the front subframe. These are typically accessed from under the vehicle near the center of the subframe. Remove both mounting bolts while supporting the steering rack assembly. The rack will remain in place but will have some movement.
   ⚠The steering rack is heavy. Ensure it is properly supported and will not drop when mounting bolts are removed.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove EPS motor mounting bolts
   Locate the three mounting bolts that secure the EPS motor assembly to the steering rack housing. These bolts are typically arranged around the motor housing perimeter. Remove all three mounting bolts and keep them organized as they may be different lengths.
   ℹ️Support the EPS motor as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove EPS motor assembly
   Carefully pull the EPS motor assembly straight away from the steering rack housing. The motor shaft will disengage from the rack internal gearing. Inspect the mating surface on the rack housing for damage, debris, or corrosion. Clean the mating surface with a wire brush and shop towel if needed.
8. 8

   Install new EPS motor assembly
   Align the new EPS motor assembly with the steering rack housing, ensuring the motor shaft engages properly with the internal gearing. Push the motor firmly into place until it seats fully against the rack housing. The motor should fit flush with no gaps at the mating surface.
   ⚠Do not force the motor. If it does not seat easily, remove and check for proper alignment of the motor shaft with the rack gearing.
9. 9

   Install EPS motor mounting bolts
   Install the three EPS motor mounting bolts, ensuring each bolt is in its correct location. Thread all bolts in by hand first to ensure proper threading. Tighten the mounting bolts in a star or cross pattern to ensure even seating. Torque all three bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall steering rack mounting bolts
    Align the steering rack assembly with the subframe mounting points. Install both steering rack mounting bolts and tighten them by hand first. Torque both mounting bolts to specification in the sequence specified (typically left side first, then right side).
    Torque spec

    Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect tie rod ends
    Insert the tie rod end ball studs into the steering knuckle tapers on both sides. Install the castle nuts and tighten to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud hole and install new cotter pins. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
    ⚠If castle nut slots do not align with cotter pin hole at specified torque, tighten further (do not loosen) until alignment is achieved, not to exceed 1/6 turn additional.
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect steering shaft coupling
    Align the steering shaft coupling with the steering rack input shaft, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. Ensure the coupling is fully seated on both the column shaft and rack input shaft. Install the pinch bolt and tighten to specification. Verify the steering wheel is still centered.
    ⚠Misalignment of the steering shaft coupling will result in off-center steering and potential SRS cable reel damage.
13. 13

    Reconnect EPS motor electrical connector
    Install a new O-ring seal on the connector if required. Align the EPS motor electrical connector with the motor housing and push firmly until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab or clip is fully engaged. Gently pull on the connector to confirm it is secured.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first. Lower the vehicle until the tires touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect battery and perform EPS initialization
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Turn the steering wheel fully left and fully right several times to initialize the EPS system. Start the engine and verify the EPS warning light turns off. Test steering operation at idle and verify smooth operation without binding or unusual noise.
    ℹ️Some vehicles may require a steering angle sensor calibration using a Honda scan tool after EPS motor replacement.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall subframe brace (if removed) and torque bolts to specification
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Verify steering wheel is centered and aligned with front wheels pointing straight
4. Check for any loose fasteners or tools left in the work area

Verification

• Start engine and verify EPS warning light turns off within 3 seconds
• With engine running, turn steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noise
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify steering response is normal and centered
• Verify steering wheel returns to center after turning
• Check for any EPS-related diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool
• Perform a steering angle sensor calibration if required per Honda service procedures
• Schedule a front-end alignment as the tie rod ends were disconnected during this procedure

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