This procedure addresses a common misunderstanding: the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine uses electric rack-and-pinion steering and does not have a pitman arm, which is only found on recirculating ball steering systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner tie rod end (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Outer tie rod end (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end castle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn ignition OFF and ensure steering wheel is centered
3. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift points
4. Remove front wheels
5. Inspect steering components for actual wear: tie rod ends, ball joints, steering rack boots, and rack mounting bushings

Procedure

1. 1

   Verify steering system type
   Confirm this vehicle has electric rack-and-pinion steering by locating the steering rack mounted transversely behind the engine. There is no steering box, pitman arm, or idler arm on this platform. If a steering issue exists, diagnose the actual failed component before proceeding.
2. 2

   Inspect outer tie rod ends
   Check outer tie rod ends for excessive play by grasping the tie rod near the knuckle and attempting to move it up/down and in/out. Check tie rod boots for tears or grease leakage. If worn, mark the tie rod thread position with paint or count exposed threads before removal to preserve toe alignment approximation.
3. 3

   Remove outer tie rod end (if replacement needed)
   Remove cotter pin from tie rod end castle nut. Loosen but do not fully remove the castle nut. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle. Remove the castle nut and extract the tie rod end. Count the number of turns as you unthread the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod to maintain approximate alignment.
   ⚠Do not strike the tie rod end directly with a hammer as this can damage the threads and ball stud.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Nut52 Nm (38 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Inspect inner tie rod ends
   With outer tie rod removed, inspect inner tie rod boot for damage. Grasp the inner tie rod and check for excessive radial or axial play at the rack connection point. Inner tie rod replacement requires removal of the steering rack boot and use of specialized inner tie rod tools.
5. 5

   Check steering rack mounting points
   Inspect the steering rack mounting bolts and brackets for looseness or damage. Check rack mounting bushings for deterioration or crushing. Verify rack bolts are properly torqued if any looseness is detected.
   ⚠Loose rack mounting bolts can cause steering wander and clunking, often misdiagnosed as tie rod or pitman arm issues.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new outer tie rod end (if applicable)
   Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod the same number of turns as the old one was removed, using your alignment marks or thread count. Install the tie rod end into the steering knuckle taper. Install new castle nut and torque to specification. Install new cotter pin and bend tabs to secure.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Nut52 Nm (38 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Verify steering linkage security
   Check that all tie rod connections are secure with no play. Verify boots are properly seated and clamps are tight. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while observing all steering components for binding, interference, or abnormal movement.
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
   Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle weight on wheels.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tie rod end castle nuts have properly installed cotter pins
2. Verify all steering rack mounting bolts are properly torqued
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left in wheel wells or under vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for proper steering response and no pulling
• Listen for any clunking or unusual noises from the steering system during turning and over bumps
• Schedule four-wheel alignment immediately if any tie rod components were replaced or adjusted
• Re-inspect all fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving

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