Removal and Installation

Steering Gearbox Installation
Special Tools Required
^ Front subframe adapter VSB02C000016
^ Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment program 888-424-6857

1. Before installing the steering gearbox, make sure that no power steering fluid is on the mating surface of the gearbox and front suspension subframe. To prevent the gearbox mounting bolts from loosening after the installation, remove any power steering fluid from the mount cushions and bolt holes.





2. Apply a mild soap and water solution to both sides of the mount cushion mating surfaces (A).
3. Pass the cylinder of the steering gearbox (B) through the wheelwell opening on the driver's side.
4. Carefully move the steering gearbox toward the passenger's side until the pinion shaft clears the wheelwell opening on the body.





5. Rotate the steering gearbox so the pinion shaft (A) points upward.
6. Continue moving the gearbox toward the passenger's side until the steering gearbox is in position. Make sure the power steering return line and feed line are routed above the gearbox.





7. Remove the vinyl tape from the pinion shaft, and install the pinion shaft grommet (A). Align the slot in the pinion shaft grommet with the lug portion (B) on the valve housing.





8. Position the cutout (A) on the mounting cushion (B) as shown, and install it on the cylinder of the gearbox securely.
9. Install the new gearbox mounting bracket (C) over the mounting cushion, and loosely install the two flange bolts.





10. Install the new gearbox mounting bolts (A) and washers (B) on the left side of the gearbox, then tighten them to the specified torque.
11. Tighten the flange bolts on the right side of the gearbox to the specified torque alternately in two or more steps.
12. Loosely connect the return line ('04 model)/pipe ('05-06 models) and feed line by hand.








13. Install the feed line holder (A) and return hose (B) on the gearbox mounting bracket (C).
14. Install the feed line holder (D) on the front suspension subframe. Make sure that there is no interference between the feed and return lines and any other parts.








15. For '04 model, tighten the return line flare nut (A) to the specified torque. For '05-06 models, tighten the return line hose clamp (B).
16. Tighten the feed line flare nut (C) to the specified torque.





17. Install the P/S heat baffle plate (A).
18. Raise the jack supporting front suspension subframe with special tool until the subframe is in position.





19. Install the front suspension subframe rear bracket (A). Tighten the 12 mm flange bolts (B) and 14 mm bolts (C) to specified torque.





20. Install the front suspension subframe front bracket (A) with 12 mm flange bolts (B) and 14 mm special bolts (C), and tighten to the specified torque.





21. Install the front suspension subframe left mid mount (A).





22. Install the front suspension subframe right mid mount bolts (A).
23. Remove the front suspension subframe supporting special tool, and lower the jack.





24. Install the engine under cover (A).





25. Install the splash shield (A).





26. Connect the power steering pressure (PSP) switch connector (A).





27. Wipe off any grease from the ball joint tapered section and threads. Then reconnect the tie-rod end (A) to the knuckle arms.
28. Install the tie-rod end ball joint nut, and tighten it to the specified torque. Then install the new cotter pin (B), and bend it as shown (C) or (D).





29. Install the new cover sea[ (A) all the way around in the steering joint cover B. Make sure there are no wrinkles in the seat, then install the steering joint cover B.
30. Center the steering rack within its stroke.





31. Position the steering column joint (A) so the bolt (B) near to the notch (C) is within the range shown.
32. With the rack in the straight ahead driving position, cut the wire (D) and slip the lower end of the steering joint on to pinion shaft (E).





33. Align the bolt hole (A) on the steering joint with the groove (B) around the pinion shaft, and loosely install the joint bolt(C). Make sure the joint bolt is securely in the groove in the pinion shaft. Pull on the steering joint to make sure the steering joint is fully seated.
34. Tighten the steering joint bolt to the specified torque.





35. Install the steering joint cover A.
36. Install the front wheel, then set the wheels in the straight ahead position.
37. Center the cable reel by first rotating it clockwise until it stops. Then rotate it counterclockwise (about three full turns) until the arrow mark on the label points straight up. Reinstall the steering wheel.
38. Fill the system with power steering fluid, and bleed air from the system.
39. After installation, do the following checks.
^ Start the engine, allow it to idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock-to-lock several times to warm up to the fluid. Check the gearbox for leaks.
^ Do the front toe inspection.
^ Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steeling wheel and rack are not centered), correct the engagement of the joint/pinion shaft serrations, and repeat step 37. Then adjust the front toe by turning the tie-rod ends, if necessary.

40. Install the right side engine component cover, passenger's and driver's cowl top extensions.