This procedure covers the replacement of the rack and pinion boots on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbo engine, requiring removal of tie rod ends and partial steering rack access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rack and pinion boot kit (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Rack and pinion boot kit (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pins for tie rod ends × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Boot clamps (if not included in boot kit) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove both front wheels
6. Turn steering wheel to full lock in both directions to identify which boot requires replacement and assess access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove tie rod end cotter pin and castle nut
   Using pliers, straighten and remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut. Apply penetrating oil to the threads if necessary. Using a 17mm socket, loosen and remove the tie rod end castle nut. Before complete removal, mark the position of the tie rod end on the threaded rack with paint or a marker to aid in reassembly alignment.
2. 2

   Separate tie rod end from knuckle
   Using a tie rod end separator tool or pickle fork, separate the tie rod end ball joint from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the knuckle and tie rod end housing and apply steady pressure. Once separated, count and record the number of threads visible or turns required to remove the tie rod end from the rack for reinstallation reference.
   ⚠Do not strike the tie rod end threads directly with a hammer as this will damage the threads
3. 3

   Remove outer boot clamp
   Locate the outer boot clamp closest to the tie rod end. Using boot clamp pliers or cutting pliers, carefully remove the clamp. If the clamp is a crimp-type, it will need to be cut off. If it is a screw-type, loosen and remove it. Take care not to damage the rack threads during clamp removal.
4. 4

   Access and remove inner boot clamp
   Turn the steering wheel to position the rack for better access to the inner boot clamp near the steering rack housing. The inner clamp is located where the boot meets the rack housing. Remove this clamp using the same method as the outer clamp. You may need to push back the boot slightly to access the clamp fully.
5. 5

   Remove old rack boot
   Slide the old boot off the rack by pulling it toward the tie rod end of the rack. Inspect the rack surface for any scoring, corrosion, or damage. If significant damage is present on the rack shaft, the entire steering rack may require replacement. Clean the rack shaft thoroughly with a clean cloth and remove any old grease or debris.
6. 6

   Install new rack boot
   Apply a small amount of grease (supplied in boot kit or compatible grease) to the inner surface of the new boot and the rack shaft to aid installation. Slide the new boot onto the rack from the tie rod end, ensuring it is fully seated in the groove on the rack housing at the inner end. Verify the boot is not twisted and sits properly in both the inner and outer positions.
   ℹ️Ensure the boot vent hole (if present) is positioned upward to allow pressure equalization
7. 7

   Install inner boot clamp
   Position the inner boot clamp in the groove on the rack housing where the boot seats. Using boot clamp pliers, crimp the clamp securely. Ensure the clamp is tight enough to prevent boot movement but not so tight that it cuts into the boot material. Verify the boot remains properly seated after clamp installation.
8. 8

   Install outer boot clamp
   Position the outer boot clamp in the groove near the tie rod end threads. Ensure the boot is not stretched or compressed excessively - it should have slight accordion flex. Crimp or tighten the outer clamp securely. Check that the boot can flex slightly when the rack moves but remains sealed at both ends.
9. 9

   Reinstall tie rod end
   Thread the tie rod end back onto the rack, aligning it to the marks made during disassembly or counting the same number of turns. This ensures approximate alignment is maintained. Do not fully tighten the tie rod jam nut at this time as alignment will need to be checked after reassembly.
10. 10

    Reconnect tie rod end to steering knuckle
    Insert the tie rod end ball stud into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the ball stud hole - if necessary, tighten (never loosen) the nut further to align the slots. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align cotter pin holes; only tighten further within acceptable torque range
    Torque spec

    Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side if necessary
    If both rack boots require replacement, repeat steps 1 through 10 for the opposite side of the vehicle. Ensure both sides are completed before proceeding to wheel installation.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower vehicle to the ground and perform final torque on wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all boot clamps are properly secured and boots are not twisted or damaged
2. Verify tie rod ends are properly seated in steering knuckles and cotter pins are installed
3. Check that steering can turn lock-to-lock without binding or boot interference
4. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area

Verification

• Start engine and turn steering wheel slowly from lock to lock, listening for any unusual noises
• Visually inspect both rack boots for proper seating, no twisting, and secure clamp installation
• Check for any grease leaking from boot clamps indicating improper installation
• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering operation
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as tie rod removal affects toe settings

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