steering

Power Steering Gear Box

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.5 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the electric power steering (EPS) gear box (steering rack) on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine.

Warnings

⚠️The steering wheel MUST be locked in the center position before disconnecting the steering shaft to prevent damage to the SRS (airbag) clock spring. Failure to do so may require expensive clock spring replacement.

⚠This vehicle uses electric power steering with no hydraulic fluid. Do not attempt to add power steering fluid.

⚠The steering rack is heavy (approximately 30-40 lbs). Use proper lifting technique and support when removing.

ℹ️A wheel alignment is mandatory after this repair. Factor this into your total cost and time estimate.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (0-150 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (10mm-19mm)Essential

Combination wrench setEssential

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

Steering wheel holder/locking toolEssential

White paint marker or alignment toolEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Electric power steering rack assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda part number for 2018-2024 Accord 1.5T
Steering rack mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification
Tie rod end cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification
Lower ball joint tool rental or purchase × 1 — OTC 6296 or equivalent

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
Turn ignition off and remove key
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for SRS system to discharge
Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
Remove both front wheels
Install steering wheel lock or secure steering wheel in center position with tape or strap through wheel and seat
Place drain pan under work area to catch any residual moisture or contaminants

Procedure

1
Remove front subframe brace (if equipped)
Remove the front subframe brace bolts and remove the brace to access the steering rack. Not all trim levels have this brace. Inspect for corrosion on mounting points and clean as needed.
2
Disconnect tie rod ends from steering knuckles
Remove the castle nut cotter pins from both tie rod ends. Loosen but do not remove the castle nuts. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Remove the castle nuts completely and set tie rod ends aside. Mark the tie rod position with paint marker for approximate alignment during reassembly.
⚠Do not strike the tie rod end stud directly with a hammer as this can damage the threads. Use a proper ball joint separator tool.
3
Disconnect steering shaft from steering rack pinion
Working from under the vehicle, locate the steering shaft universal joint connection to the steering rack pinion shaft. Mark the relationship between the shaft and pinion with paint marker. Remove the pinch bolt and carefully separate the steering shaft from the pinion. Do not rotate the steering wheel or rack pinion after disconnection.
⚠️Verify steering wheel is still locked in center position. Any rotation from this point can damage the SRS clock spring.
4
Disconnect electrical connectors
Locate and disconnect the EPS motor electrical connector on the steering rack assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully pull connector straight out. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Secure the wiring harness away from the rack removal path.
5
Remove steering rack mounting bolts
Support the steering rack with a jack or have an assistant ready to support its weight. Remove the two steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the front subframe. These are typically accessed from below the vehicle.
⚠The rack assembly weighs approximately 30-40 lbs. Ensure proper support before removing the final mounting bolt.
6
Remove steering rack assembly
Carefully lower and maneuver the steering rack assembly out through the driver side wheel well opening. You may need to angle the rack and rotate it to clear the subframe and suspension components. Work slowly to avoid damaging brake lines, ABS sensors, or other nearby components.
7
Transfer components to new rack (if applicable)
If your replacement rack does not include tie rods, carefully transfer them from the old rack. Count and record the number of threads showing on each tie rod before removal to maintain approximate alignment. If tie rod ends are worn, replace them now.
8
Install new steering rack assembly
Position the new steering rack assembly and maneuver it into place through the driver side wheel well. Align the rack mounting holes with the subframe. Support the rack with a jack or assistant while installing mounting bolts. Hand-tighten mounting bolts initially.
9
Torque steering rack mounting bolts
Torque the steering rack mounting bolts to specification in the sequence specified by the service manual. Ensure the rack is properly seated against the subframe before final torquing.
ℹ️Verify the correct torque specification and sequence with the Honda service manual as there may be variations between model years.
10
Reconnect steering shaft to pinion
Align the steering shaft universal joint with the rack pinion shaft, matching the alignment marks made during disassembly. Ensure the steering wheel is still in the locked center position. Install the pinch bolt and torque to specification per service manual (typically 21 Nm/16 lb-ft, but verify with manual as this spec was not provided).
⚠️Double-check that steering wheel has not rotated and is still centered before connecting shaft.
11
Reconnect electrical connector
Connect the EPS motor electrical connector to the steering rack. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Verify no wires are pinched or stressed.
12
Reconnect tie rod ends to steering knuckles
Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuckle tapers. Install new castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and tie rod end studs. Bend cotter pins to secure.
⚠Always use new cotter pins. Never reuse old cotter pins as they may not provide adequate retention.
13
Reinstall subframe brace and wheels
If equipped, reinstall the front subframe brace and torque bolts to specification. Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground.
14
Final torque wheel lug nuts
With vehicle on ground, torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.

Reassembly

Reconnect negative battery terminal
Remove steering wheel lock/securing device
Start vehicle and verify no warning lights related to steering system (EPS light should not be illuminated)
Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly while stationary to verify smooth operation
Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed to verify steering function before proceeding to alignment shop

Verification

Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight
Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or resistance when turning steering wheel
Confirm EPS warning light is not illuminated on instrument cluster
Verify no fluid leaks (this is an electric system, but check for any moisture from boot seals)
Schedule and complete a professional 4-wheel alignment immediately - this is mandatory after steering rack replacement
After alignment, verify vehicle tracks straight and steering wheel remains centered
Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving