Power Steering Rack

Complete replacement of the electric power steering rack assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including removal of steering linkage, subframe access, and rack mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Electric power steering rack assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tie rod end cotter pins × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Steering rack mounting bushings (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Power steering line O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Mark the steering wheel center position with tape or marker for reference
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Lock the steering wheel in the centered position using a steering wheel lock or secure with bungee cord to prevent rotation
7. Remove the front engine splash shield/undertray for access
8. Apply penetrating oil to tie rod end nuts and allow to soak

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod ends from steering knuckles
   Remove cotter pins from both tie rod end castle nuts using needle nose pliers. Loosen but do not fully remove the tie rod end castle nuts. Use a tie rod separator tool or pickle fork to separate the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Remove the castle nuts completely and detach tie rod ends. Count and record the number of threads visible on each tie rod for approximate alignment reference.
2. 2

   Disconnect steering column from rack
   From inside the vehicle, locate the steering column universal joint connection at the firewall. Remove the bolt securing the upper steering shaft to the lower steering shaft pinch clamp. Mark the relationship between the shafts before separation. Separate the upper shaft from the lower intermediate shaft. This may require removing the driver's side lower dashboard trim panel for access.
   ⚠Do not allow the steering wheel to rotate once disconnected. This can damage the clockspring and require additional expensive repairs.
3. 3

   Disconnect power steering electrical connector
   Locate the electric power steering motor/control unit on the steering rack assembly. Press the locking tab and disconnect the main electrical connector from the power steering control unit. Secure the connector away from the work area to prevent damage.
4. 4

   Remove steering rack mounting brackets
   Locate the two steering rack mounting brackets that secure the rack to the front subframe. Remove the bolts securing each mounting bracket to the subframe. The brackets may have rubber bushings that should be inspected for wear. Support the steering rack with one hand or a strap as you remove the final mounting hardware.
   ⚠The steering rack is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help support it during removal or use a strap to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove steering rack from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the steering rack assembly toward the driver's side of the vehicle through the wheelwell opening. You may need to rotate and angle the rack to clear the subframe and suspension components. The rack will come out through the driver's side wheel opening. Guide the tie rod ends through carefully to avoid damage to brake lines or ABS sensors.
6. 6

   Transfer components to new rack
   If tie rod ends are being reused, remove them from the old rack by counting the exact number of turns required and marking the position. Install tie rod ends on the new rack in the same position using the same number of turns and thread engagement. This provides a starting point for alignment. Ensure tie rod lock nuts are loose to allow adjustment during alignment.
   ℹ️Professional wheel alignment will be required after this repair. The tie rod positioning is only an approximation to allow safe driving to the alignment shop.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Nut52 Nm (38 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new steering rack
   Maneuver the new steering rack into position through the driver's side wheelwell opening, guiding the tie rod ends through carefully. Position the rack onto the subframe mounting points. Install new mounting bushings if the originals show wear or deterioration. Loosely install the mounting brackets and bolts, but do not fully tighten yet to allow for final positioning.
8. 8

   Secure rack mounting brackets
   With the rack properly positioned on the subframe, tighten the mounting bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern (alternating sides) to ensure even seating. Verify the rack can move slightly for steering input but is securely mounted without excessive play.
   ⚠Verify torque sequence in the service manual as uneven tightening can cause binding or premature bushing wear.
   Torque spec

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

   Reconnect steering column
   From inside the vehicle, align the marks made during disassembly on the upper and lower steering shafts. Ensure the steering wheel is still locked in the centered position. Slide the upper shaft onto the lower intermediate shaft splines, aligning the marks. Install the pinch bolt and tighten securely. Verify the steering wheel remains centered.
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Connect the main electrical connector to the electric power steering control unit on the rack assembly. Ensure the connector locks with an audible click and is fully seated. Verify no wires are pinched or routed near moving suspension components.
11. 11

    Install tie rod ends to knuckles
    Install both tie rod ends into the steering knuckle tapers. Install the castle nuts and tighten to specification. Ensure the cotter pin holes in the tie rod studs align with the castle nut slots. If necessary, tighten the nut slightly more (never loosen) to align the next slot with the hole. Install new cotter pins and bend the ends to secure.
    ⚠Never loosen a castle nut to align the cotter pin hole. Only tighten to the next slot if needed.
    Torque spec

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

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification using a torque wrench. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. Perform final lug nut torque verification with the vehicle weight on the wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position without starting the engine. The power steering system should perform a self-check. Start the engine and turn the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock 2-3 times to allow the system to calibrate. Check for any warning lights on the instrument cluster.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall front engine splash shield/undertray
2. Reinstall driver's side lower dashboard trim panel if removed
3. Remove steering wheel lock or bungee cord restraint
4. Tighten all tie rod lock nuts after confirming proper tie rod positioning

Verification

• Start engine and verify power steering warning light is off
• Turn steering wheel lock to lock slowly and listen for any unusual noises
• Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are pointed straight ahead
• Check for any looseness or play in the steering system by turning the wheel with the vehicle stationary
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering response and centering
• Schedule professional wheel alignment within 24 hours or before extended driving
• After alignment, verify steering wheel is centered and vehicle tracks straight
• Recheck all mounting bolt torque specifications after first 50 miles of driving

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