Power Steering Gear Box

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the electric power steering rack and pinion assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering rack and pinion assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Subframe bolts (if removed) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake
2. Turn steering wheel to center position and verify wheels are straight
3. Lock steering wheel in center position using steering wheel holder or by turning ignition to LOCK position and removing key
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
5. Chock rear wheels securely
6. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
7. Raise front of vehicle and support on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
8. Remove both front wheels
9. Remove engine under cover and front splash shields

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Remove the cotter pin from each tie rod end castle nut using needle nose pliers. Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end nuts. Use a ball joint separator or tie rod puller to separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Once separated, remove the nuts completely and note the orientation of the tie rod ends for reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect steering column from steering rack
   Working from inside the vehicle at the firewall, locate the steering column U-joint connection to the steering rack pinion shaft. Mark the relationship between the upper and lower shafts for reassembly alignment. Remove the pinch bolt securing the U-joint. Carefully separate the steering column shaft from the rack pinion input shaft. Ensure the steering wheel remains locked in the center position.
   ⚠️Do not allow the steering column to rotate after disconnection. Mark alignment carefully before separation.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector from steering rack
   Locate the main electrical connector on the electric power steering motor assembly. Press the locking tab and carefully disconnect the connector. Secure the harness away from the work area to prevent damage during rack removal.
   ⚠Handle the electrical connector carefully as replacement connectors may not be available separately from the wiring harness.
4. 4

   Support subframe and engine assembly
   Position an engine support fixture across the top of the engine bay or place a transmission jack under the engine oil pan with a block of wood for protection. Take up slight tension to support the powertrain weight. This prevents stress on motor mounts when subframe bolts are loosened.
   ⚠Do not allow the engine to shift position excessively as this may strain coolant hoses, wiring, and other connections.
5. 5

   Remove steering rack mounting bolts and brackets
   Locate the two primary steering rack mounting bolts that secure the rack to the subframe. These are typically accessed from below the vehicle. Remove any heat shields or brackets that may obstruct access. Remove the steering rack mounting bolts completely. Note the position of any washers or spacers.
6. 6

   Lower subframe (partial drop)
   With the engine properly supported, loosen the four main subframe mounting bolts equally. Lower the rear of the subframe approximately 2-3 inches to create clearance for steering rack removal. Do not fully remove the subframe unless additional clearance is needed. Support the subframe with jack stands if completely removing mounting bolts.
   ⚠Monitor brake lines, ABS sensor wires, and other components attached to the subframe during lowering to prevent damage.
7. 7

   Remove steering rack assembly
   With the subframe lowered, carefully maneuver the steering rack assembly toward the driver's side of the vehicle and out through the wheel well opening. The rack will need to be angled and rotated to clear the subframe and body structure. Have an assistant support the weight if needed. Place the old rack on a clean work surface.
   ⚠The steering rack is heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique and take care not to damage brake lines or ABS sensors during removal.
8. 8

   Prepare new steering rack for installation
   Unpack the new steering rack assembly and verify it matches the original part. Check that the pinion shaft is in the center position by counting turns lock-to-lock and centering it. Transfer any necessary brackets or heat shields from the old rack to the new rack. Inspect all mounting points and clean threads with a wire brush if needed.
   ℹ️Some replacement racks come pre-centered with a shipping pin. Remove this pin only after installation is complete and steering column is reconnected.
9. 9

   Install new steering rack assembly
   Carefully maneuver the new steering rack into position through the driver's side wheel well opening, reversing the removal process. Align the rack with the mounting points on the subframe. Ensure the pinion shaft is accessible from the firewall area for steering column connection. Do not force the rack into position.
10. 10

    Install steering rack mounting bolts
    Install the two primary steering rack mounting bolts with any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread the bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Torque the steering rack mounting bolts to specification in the sequence specified in the service manual (typically starting with the passenger side bolt).
11. 11

    Raise and secure subframe
    Carefully raise the subframe back to its original position, aligning all mounting bolt holes. Install the four subframe mounting bolts and torque to specification per the service manual. Remove the engine support fixture or transmission jack. Verify the subframe is properly seated and aligned.
12. 12

    Reconnect steering column to rack
    Working from inside the vehicle, align the marks made during disassembly and connect the steering column shaft to the steering rack pinion input shaft. Ensure proper engagement and alignment. Install the pinch bolt and torque to specification per the service manual. Verify the steering wheel is still centered and locked.
    ⚠️Improper alignment of the steering column can cause binding, premature wear, and steering control issues. Verify alignment marks carefully.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the main electrical connector to the electric power steering motor assembly. Ensure the connector locks securely with an audible click. Verify the connector is fully seated and the locking tab is engaged.
14. 14

    Reconnect tie rod ends to steering knuckles
    Install the tie rod ends into the steering knuckle tapered holes. Install the castle nuts and torque to specification. Install new cotter pins through the castle nut slots and bend the pins to secure. If the slots do not align with the cotter pin hole, tighten the nut slightly (do not loosen) until alignment is achieved.
    ⚠Never loosen a castle nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten further within acceptable torque range.
15. 15

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the engine under cover and front splash shields. Install both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable
2. Start the engine and verify no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
3. Turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock while stationary to verify smooth operation and no binding
4. Check for proper power steering assist function and verify the steering wheel returns to center properly

Verification

• Verify the steering wheel is centered when driving straight on a level road
• Confirm smooth steering operation with no binding, unusual noises, or vibration throughout the full range of motion
• Check that the electric power steering warning light is not illuminated
• Verify no unusual tire wear patterns develop after 100-200 miles of driving
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible after this repair

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