Steering Gearbox Removal: Removal

Special Tools Required 

1. Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SL00200

Note these items during removal:

• Using solvent and a brush, wash any oil and dirt off of the valve body unit its lines, and the end if the gearbox. Blow dry with compressed air.
• Be sure to remove the steering wheel before disconnecting the steering joint. Damage to the cable reel can occur.

1. Drain the power steering fluid. See FLUID REPLACEMENT  .
2. Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
3. Remove the front wheels.
4. Remove the driver's airbag assembly. See appropriate AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article.
5. Remove the steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL  .
6. Remove the steering joint cover.
   Fig 1: Removing Steering Joint Cover

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
7. Remove the steering joint bolts (A), disconnect the steering joint by moving the steering joint (B) toward the column.
   Fig 2: Removing Steering Joint Bolts

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
8. Remove the cotter pin (A) from the 10 mm nut (B), and loosen the nut.
   Fig 3: Removing Cotter Pin

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Separate the tie-rod ball joint and knuckle using the special tool. See BALL JOINT .
10. Grasp the right tie-rod and pull the rack all the way to the right, then remove the right and left tie-rod ends (A), and locknuts (B).
    Fig 4: Removing Right & Left Tie-Rod Ends

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
11. Remove the exhaust pipe A and mounting bracket B. See Exhaust .
    Fig 5: Removing Exhaust Pipe & Mounting Bracket

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
12. '99 model: Disconnect the A/T shift cable (C) from the transmission. See TRANSMISSION REMOVAL .

    '00-03 models: Disconnect the A/T shift cable (C) from the transmission. See appropriate TRANSMISSION REMOVAL & INSTALLATION article.

13. '99-03 Premium models:
    1. Disconnect the supply line (A), the return line (B), the sensor inlet hose (C), and the sensor return line (D) from the valve body unit. Remove the sensor inlet hose fitting (E).
    Fig 6: Disconnecting Supply Line

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
14. '02-03 Type-S models:
    1. Loosen the 14 mm flare nut (A), and disconnect the pump outlet hose (B). Loosen the 17 mm flare nut (C), and remove the return line (D).
    Fig 7: Loosening Flare Nut

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
15. After disconnecting the hoses and lines, plug or seal them with a piece of tape or equivalent to prevent foreign materials from entering.
    NOTE: Do not loosen the cylinder line A and B between the valve body unit and cylinder.
16. Remove the stiffener plates (A), then remove the right mounting brackets (B) and the cushion (C).
    Fig 8: Removing Stiffener Plates

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
17. Pull the steering gearbox (A) down until the pinion shaft (B) clears the bulkhead, and remove the pinion shaft grommet from the top of the valve body unit.
    NOTE: Apply vinyl tape to the pinion shaft splines and the line fitting surfaces on the valve body unit to protect them during removal.
    Fig 9: Pulling Steering Gearbox

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
18. Move the steering gearbox to the passenger's side unit the driver's side rack end rests on the end of the rear beam.
19. To get the driver's side rack end around the rear beam, push up and back on the passenger's side rack end, then pull down on the driver's side of the steering gearbox.