This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering motor assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering motor assembly × 1 — 53601-TBA-A03 or equivalent OEM
• Steering motor mounting gasket (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition to OFF and remove key
4. Center the steering wheel and note its position
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait minimum 3 minutes
6. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
7. Remove both front wheels

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front undertray and splash shields
   Remove the plastic engine undertray and front splash shields to access the steering rack area. Remove all fasteners securing the undertray using 10mm socket. Set aside fasteners for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Access steering motor area
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the electric power steering motor mounted on the steering rack assembly. The motor is positioned on the passenger side of the rack. Clean the area around the motor to prevent debris from entering the system.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector on the steering motor. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the motor. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Do not pull on wiring harness.
   ⚠Ensure battery has been disconnected for at least 3 minutes before disconnecting electrical components.
4. 4

   Remove motor cover if equipped
   If present, remove the protective cover over the steering motor assembly by removing the cover screws. Some model years may not have a separate cover.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove steering motor mounting bolts
   Using a 12mm socket, remove the mounting bolts securing the electric power steering motor to the steering rack housing. There are typically 3 mounting bolts. Support the motor with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠The motor assembly weighs approximately 6-8 lbs. Support it properly during removal.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove steering motor from rack
   Carefully pull the steering motor assembly straight out from the steering rack housing. The motor shaft will disengage from the rack pinion. Note the orientation and alignment marks if present. Inspect the mounting surface and O-ring seal area on the rack housing.
7. 7

   Inspect rack housing and prepare for installation
   Inspect the steering rack housing where the motor mounts for any damage, debris, or wear. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush if needed. Check that the rack pinion shaft is clean and free of debris. Verify the new motor includes a gasket or O-ring seal.
8. 8

   Install new steering motor
   Position the new electric power steering motor with proper alignment to the rack pinion shaft. Ensure any gasket or seal is properly seated. Carefully push the motor onto the rack housing, aligning the motor shaft with the pinion. The motor should seat flush against the housing.
   ⚠Do not force the motor onto the rack. Misalignment can damage internal gears. Ensure proper engagement before tightening bolts.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Install the three mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque them in a cross pattern to the specified value of 26.0 Nm (19.0 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Reinstall motor cover
    If equipped with a protective cover, reinstall it over the steering motor assembly and secure with cover screws torqued to 10.0 Nm (8.0 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Clean the electrical connector with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Firmly push the connector onto the motor until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Ensure wiring is properly routed and secured away from moving components and heat sources.
12. 12

    Reinstall splash shields and undertray
    Reinstall the front splash shields and engine undertray. Ensure all fasteners are installed and properly secured. Check that no wiring or components are pinched.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle to ground and torque wheel lug nuts to 129.0 Nm (95.0 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal and ensure connection is tight
2. Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
3. Observe instrument cluster for any warning lights related to power steering
4. The power steering system may require a learning procedure or initialization through the Honda diagnostic system

Verification

• Start engine and verify no abnormal noises from steering system
• Check that power steering warning light is OFF on instrument cluster
• With engine running, turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary to verify motor operation
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal power steering assist
• Verify steering wheel returns to center properly after turning
• Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or binding in the steering system
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using a Honda-compatible scan tool and clear any stored codes if repair resolved the issue
• Verify steering effort is consistent and appropriate at various speeds

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