This procedure replaces the intermediate steering shaft connecting the steering column to the steering rack on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, addressing issues like clunking or binding during steering input.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Intermediate steering shaft assembly × 1 — Honda OEM 53710-TBA-A02 or equivalent
• Steering shaft lower pinch bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Steering shaft upper pinch bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and center the steering wheel precisely
4. Turn ignition OFF and remove the key
5. Install steering wheel holder or locking pin to prevent wheel rotation during procedure
6. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge
7. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
8. Remove both front wheels using appropriate socket

Procedure

1. 1

   Access steering shaft from cabin
   Remove the driver's side lower dash panel and knee bolster. Remove the plastic cover over the steering column by removing screws. This exposes the upper connection point of the intermediate shaft to the steering column.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Mark upper shaft alignment
   Using a white paint marker or scribe, mark the relationship between the upper intermediate shaft coupling and the steering column shaft. Make alignment marks on both the splined coupling and the column shaft itself. Take a reference photo for reassembly verification.
   ⚠These alignment marks are critical. Misalignment will result in an off-center steering wheel.
3. 3

   Remove upper pinch bolt
   Locate the upper pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Using a 12mm or 14mm socket (depending on year), remove the upper pinch bolt completely. Discard this bolt as it must be replaced with a new one. The shaft coupling should now be loose on the column splines but may be tight due to corrosion.
   ℹ️Apply rust penetrant if bolt is difficult to remove. Allow 10-15 minutes for penetration.
4. 4

   Access lower shaft from wheel well
   From under the vehicle with wheels removed, locate the intermediate shaft where it connects to the steering rack input shaft. This is visible through the driver's side wheel well area, just above the steering rack. Remove any plastic shields or splash guards blocking access using appropriate fasteners.
   Torque spec

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

   Mark lower shaft alignment
   Using a white paint marker, make clear alignment marks across the lower intermediate shaft coupling and the steering rack input shaft. Mark the pinch bolt location relative to the shaft. Document with photos showing the exact orientation of the coupling relative to the rack.
   ⚠Lower shaft misalignment can cause steering binding and accelerated wear on the steering rack.
6. 6

   Remove lower pinch bolt
   Using a 12mm or 14mm socket and possible extension, remove the lower pinch bolt securing the intermediate shaft to the steering rack input shaft. This bolt passes through the coupling and has a groove in the shaft. Remove bolt completely and discard. The coupling should now be free from the rack splines.
   ℹ️Support the intermediate shaft as you remove this bolt to prevent it from dropping.
7. 7

   Remove intermediate shaft assembly
   Carefully separate the upper coupling from the steering column splines by pulling downward. If stuck, gently tap with a plastic mallet while pulling. Once free from upper connection, maneuver the entire intermediate shaft assembly out through the cabin or wheel well area, noting the routing path for reinstallation. Inspect the removed shaft for worn joints, torn boots, or excessive play.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force on the steering column shaft. It contains precision components that can be damaged.
8. 8

   Inspect connection points
   With shaft removed, inspect both the steering column shaft splines and the rack input shaft splines for damage, excessive wear, or corrosion. Clean both shafts with a wire brush and apply a thin coat of multi-purpose grease to the splines. Verify steering wheel has not moved and is still centered with locking device in place.
   ⚠️If steering wheel has moved, the clockspring timing may be lost. Do not proceed until wheel is properly recentered.
9. 9

   Install new intermediate shaft - lower connection
   Route the new intermediate shaft assembly into position following the same path as removal. Start by aligning the lower coupling with the steering rack input shaft, matching your previously made alignment marks exactly. Slide the coupling onto the rack shaft splines ensuring the pinch bolt hole in the coupling aligns with the groove in the rack shaft.
   ⚠Ensure splines fully engage before attempting to install pinch bolt. Partial engagement will cause failure.
10. 10

    Secure lower pinch bolt
    Install a NEW lower pinch bolt through the coupling, ensuring it engages the groove in the steering rack input shaft. Hand-thread bolt to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the lower pinch bolt to 26.0 Nm (19.0 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify alignment marks still match after tightening.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new intermediate shaft - upper connection
    Align the upper coupling of the intermediate shaft with the steering column shaft, matching your previously made alignment marks exactly. The splines must align properly before the coupling will slide on. Push the coupling fully onto the column shaft splines until it seats completely.
    ⚠Never force the coupling. If splines don't align, rotate coupling slightly until they engage properly.
12. 12

    Secure upper pinch bolt
    Install a NEW upper pinch bolt through the upper coupling, ensuring it engages the groove in the steering column shaft. Hand-thread to verify proper engagement. Torque the upper pinch bolt to 26.0 Nm (19.0 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify all alignment marks still match after tightening.
    ℹ️Double-check that pinch bolt passes through the shaft groove, not just the coupling hole.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall protective covers
    Reinstall any splash guards or plastic shields removed from the wheel well area. From inside the cabin, reinstall the steering column cover, knee bolster, and lower dash panel. Torque all cover screws to 10.0 Nm (8.0 lb-ft) as applicable.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels onto the hubs. Thread lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to 129.0 Nm (95.0 lb-ft). Lower vehicle from jack stands using floor jack, then remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to ground. Final torque wheel lug nuts again in star pattern to 129.0 Nm (95.0 lb-ft) with vehicle weight on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove steering wheel holder or locking pin
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal
3. Verify steering wheel is centered when front wheels are pointed straight ahead
4. Check that all fasteners have been properly torqued and no tools or parts remain in work area

Verification

• Start engine and verify no warning lights related to steering or SRS system appear
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary, listening for any clunks, binding, or unusual noises
• Perform a test drive at low speed in a safe area, verifying smooth steering operation
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight with no pulling
• Check for any unusual steering feedback, vibration, or noise during turns
• Recheck wheel lug nut torque after 50-100 miles of driving
• If steering wheel is off-center or electronic power steering warning appears, a steering angle sensor reset or wheel alignment may be required

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