Power Steering Rack

This procedure involves removing and replacing the electric power steering rack on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo, including disconnecting steering components, removing subframe bolts, and performing wheel alignment after installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Power steering rack assembly × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Steering rack O-ring set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end boots (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during removal
• Subframe alignment dowels or bolts × 4 — Check if reusable

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and install steering wheel lock/holder to prevent rotation
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Remove engine under covers and splash shields for access
7. Mark or photograph the position of tie rod ends on the tie rods for approximate reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Remove cotter pins from tie rod end castle nuts on both sides. Using a 17mm socket, loosen the castle nuts but do not remove completely. Use a tie rod separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ball joint from the steering knuckle. Once separated, remove the castle nuts completely and lift tie rod ends free.
   ⚠Do not damage the tie rod boot during separation. Replace if torn.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect steering column intermediate shaft
   Locate the steering column intermediate shaft connection at the steering rack pinion shaft. Remove the pinch bolt using a 14mm socket. Mark the relationship between the shaft and rack for reassembly reference. Carefully separate the intermediate shaft from the rack pinion by pulling upward. Support the shaft to prevent it from hanging.
   ⚠Ensure steering wheel lock is in place before disconnecting to prevent wheel rotation and clock spring damage.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering rack electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the electric power steering motor assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the wiring harness. Secure the harness away from the work area to prevent damage during rack removal.
4. 4

   Remove steering rack mounting brackets and bolts
   Locate the steering rack mounting brackets on both sides of the rack assembly. Remove the mounting bracket bolts using appropriate socket (typically 12mm or 14mm). Support the rack with one hand or a jack to prevent it from dropping once the final bolts are removed.
   ⚠The rack is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help or use a transmission jack for support.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Lower and remove steering rack assembly
   Carefully maneuver the steering rack assembly toward the driver's side of the vehicle while tilting and rotating as needed to clear subframe and suspension components. The rack typically exits through the driver's side wheel well area. Work slowly to avoid damaging brake lines, ABS sensors, or other nearby components.
6. 6

   Prepare new steering rack for installation
   Unpack the new steering rack and verify it matches the old unit. Ensure the rack is in the center position by measuring equal boot extension on both sides. Transfer any required components from old rack if not included with new unit. Install new O-rings on all connection points that were supplied in the O-ring kit.
7. 7

   Install new steering rack assembly
   Carefully guide the new steering rack into position through the driver's side wheel well, reversing the removal process. Align the rack mounting holes with the subframe brackets. Install mounting bolts hand-tight initially to allow for adjustment. Verify the rack is centered and properly seated before final tightening.
8. 8

   Torque steering rack mounting bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the steering rack mounting bolts to specification. Follow any tightening sequence specified in the service manual if applicable. Verify the rack does not bind and moves freely side to side after bolts are torqued.
   ℹ️Verify bolt tightening sequence with factory service manual as uneven tightening can cause binding.
   Torque spec

   Rack Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect steering column intermediate shaft
   Align the intermediate shaft with the rack pinion shaft using the alignment marks made during disassembly. Ensure the shaft is fully seated onto the pinion. Install the pinch bolt and tighten to specification. Verify there is no play in the connection.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the electric power steering motor electrical connector. Ensure it clicks fully into place and the locking tab is engaged. Verify the connector is secure and the wiring harness is properly routed away from heat sources and moving components.
11. 11

    Install tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Position the tie rod ends into the steering knuckle tapers. Install the castle nuts and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The castle nut slots must align with the cotter pin hole. If alignment is not achieved at specified torque, tighten additionally (do not loosen) up to 1/6 turn until alignment is achieved. Install new cotter pins and bend tabs to secure.
    ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten further if needed.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground to prevent rotation. Torque the 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)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize systems
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Remove the steering wheel lock. Turn the steering wheel fully left and right several times to allow the electric power steering system to initialize and perform self-calibration.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all engine under covers and splash shields
2. Double-check all fastener torque values and verify all electrical connections are secure
3. Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointing straight ahead

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no power steering warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify smooth operation with no binding or unusual noises
• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speed to confirm steering operation and center feel
• Schedule immediate wheel alignment at a qualified shop - verify toe, camber, and caster are within specification
• After alignment, recheck all mounting bolts and verify proper torque
• Verify steering returns to center properly after turns and there is no pulling to either side

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