steering

Steering Shaft - Intermediate

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.5 h

Tools

Steps

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

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the intermediate steering shaft on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, addressing issues like clunking or binding in the steering column.

Warnings

⚠️Never adjust or remove steering components with the engine running or wheels on the ground. Loss of steering control can result in serious injury.

⚠Do not rotate the steering wheel more than 180 degrees in either direction once the intermediate shaft is disconnected, or the clockspring airbag assembly may be damaged.

⚠Mark all shaft alignment positions before disassembly. Improper shaft alignment can cause steering pull, vibration, or binding.

ℹ️This vehicle uses electric power steering with no hydraulic fluid. No fluid service is required for this repair.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Flat-head screwdriver

White paint marker or chalkEssential

Steering wheel lock or helperEssential

Pry bar (small)

Trim removal tools

Parts

Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
Upper steering shaft pinch bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification or reuse if not damaged
Lower steering shaft pinch bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification or reuse if not damaged

Preparation

Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and center the steering wheel exactly straight
Turn ignition to OFF and remove key
Install a steering wheel lock or have a helper hold the wheel to prevent rotation during service
Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge

Procedure

1
Remove lower steering column cover
Remove the fasteners securing the lower dashboard trim panel beneath the steering column. On this model, there are typically plastic clips and screws. Carefully pull the panel down and away to access the upper steering shaft connection. Set aside the panel and hardware.
2
Mark upper shaft alignment
Using a white paint marker or chalk, mark the relationship between the upper steering shaft (coming from the steering column) and the intermediate shaft coupling. Make alignment marks on both the shaft and the coupling so you can reinstall in the exact same position. Take a photo for reference.
⚠Accurate alignment marks are critical. Misalignment can cause steering wheel off-center condition.
3
Remove upper shaft pinch bolt
Locate the pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the upper steering column shaft. This is typically a 12mm or 14mm bolt with a locking nut. Remove the pinch bolt completely. Note the bolt orientation for reinstallation.
4
Access lower shaft connection
Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support securely on jack stands. Ensure the vehicle is stable. From underneath, locate the firewall pass-through where the intermediate shaft connects to the steering rack input shaft. Remove any heat shields or covers that obstruct access to the lower coupling.
5
Mark lower shaft alignment
Using your paint marker, clearly mark the relationship between the intermediate shaft lower coupling and the steering rack input shaft. Mark both components and their rotational alignment. This is critical for proper reassembly.
⚠The lower shaft alignment is critical for steering feel and centering. Mark clearly in multiple locations if possible.
6
Remove lower shaft pinch bolt
Remove the lower pinch bolt that secures the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. This bolt may be tight and require penetrating oil if corroded. Remove the bolt completely and retain for inspection.
7
Remove intermediate shaft
With both pinch bolts removed, carefully separate the intermediate shaft from both the upper column shaft and the lower rack input shaft. You may need to gently pry or twist the couplings to break them free. Support the shaft as you remove it and extract it from the firewall pass-through. Inspect the old shaft for wear, binding, or damaged universal joints.
8
Prepare new intermediate shaft
Unpack the new intermediate shaft and verify it matches the old part. Check that all universal joints move smoothly without binding. Collapse or extend the shaft to the same length as the removed shaft to ease installation. Do not apply grease unless specified by the manufacturer - most shafts come pre-lubricated.
9
Install intermediate shaft to rack
From underneath the vehicle, align the lower coupling of the new intermediate shaft with the steering rack input shaft, matching your alignment marks. Slide the coupling onto the rack shaft splines. Ensure the coupling seats fully and the alignment marks line up. Install the lower pinch bolt finger-tight but do not torque yet.
10
Install intermediate shaft to column
From inside the vehicle, align the upper coupling with the steering column shaft, matching your alignment marks. Slide the coupling onto the column shaft splines. Ensure full engagement and correct alignment. Install the upper pinch bolt finger-tight.
⚠Verify that the steering wheel has not rotated from center position before final tightening.
11
Torque pinch bolts
Torque the upper pinch bolt to specification per manufacturer requirements (typically 23-26 Nm / 17-19 lb-ft, though not explicitly listed - follow service manual). Then torque the lower pinch bolt to the same specification. Verify both couplings are fully seated and alignment marks still match after torquing.
ℹ️Pinch bolt torque specifications should be verified in the Honda service manual as they are not provided in the torque database for this component.
12
Reinstall covers and lower vehicle
Reinstall any heat shields or protective covers removed from the firewall area. Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Inside the cabin, reinstall the lower steering column cover and secure all fasteners.
13
Reconnect battery and initialize
Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON (engine off) and verify the steering wheel is still centered. Start the engine and allow the electric power steering system to initialize. The EPS indicator light should turn off after a few seconds.

Reassembly

Ensure both upper and lower shaft alignment marks match original positions exactly
Verify all pinch bolts are torqued to specification and safety clips (if equipped) are installed
Confirm steering wheel is centered and locked in place before final bolt torquing
Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the steering column area

Verification

With engine running, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock slowly and verify smooth operation with no binding, clunking, or unusual noises
Verify the steering wheel is centered when the front wheels are pointing straight ahead
Check for any abnormal vibration through the steering wheel at idle and while driving
Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, confirming normal steering feel and response
Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster (EPS, airbag, etc.)
Recheck all fasteners and ensure lower dash panel is secure with no rattles

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