Steering Gearbox Removal

Steering Gearbox Removal

Special Tools Required
^ Ball joint remover, 28 mm 07MAC-SLOA202
^ Engine hanger adapter VSB02C000015 *
^ Engine support hanger, A and Reds AAR-T-12566 *
^ Front subframe adapter VSB02C000016 *
* Available through American Acura Tool and Equipment Program 1-888-424-6857

Note these items during removal:
^ Using solvent and a brush, wash any oil arid dirt off the valve body unit, its lines, and the end of the gearbox. Blow dry with compressed air.
^ Make sure to remove the steering wheel before disconnecting the steering joint. Damage to the cable reel can occur.

1. Drain the power steering fluid.
2. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the audio system and the navigation system (if equipped), then write down the audio presets.
3. Make sure the ignition switch is OFF, then disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
4. Raise the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations.
5. Remove the front wheels.
6. Remove the steering wheel.
7. Remove the steering joint cover A.





8. Remove the steering joint bolt (A), and disconnect the steering joint by moving the steering joint (B) toward the column. Hold the slider shaft (C) on the column with a piece of wire (D) between the joint yoke (E) on the slider shaft to the joint yoke on the upper shaft.





9. Remove the center guide (A), and discard it.





10. Remove the steering joint cover B. Be careful not to damage the mating surface on the joint cover B and pinion shaft grommet. Replace the cover seal (C) if necessary.
11. Remove the harness clamp (A) and hose (B), and remove the bolts (C) securing the hose clamps. Remove the mounting nuts (D) and strut brace (E).





12. To attach the engine hanger adapter (VSB02C000015), remove the clamp bracket.





13. Attach the engine hanger adapter (VSB02C000015) to the threaded hole in the cylinder head.





14. Install the engine support hanger (AAR-T-12566) to the vehicle, and attach the hook (A) to the engine hanger adapter (B). Tighten the wing nut (C) by hand, and lift and support the engine.





15. Remove and discard the cotter pin (A) from the tie-rod ball joint nut (B), then loosen the nut.





16. Separate the tie-rod ball joint and knuckle using the ball joint remover.
17. Remove the P/S heat shield (A).





18. Remove the splash shield (A).





19. Attach the front subframe adater to the front suspension subframe (A) with hanging the hook of the front subframe adapter over the front of the subframe, then tighten the front subframe adapter screw.





20. Raise the jack (B) and line up the slots in the arms with the bolt holes on the corner of the jack base, then attach them with bolts securely.
21. Remove the feed line holder mounting bolt (A) on the front suspension subframe.





22. Remove the feed line holder mounting bolt (B) and return hose (C) from the gearbox mounting bracket (D).
23. Place several shop towels under the line connections, and cover the gearbox mounting part to protect it from the power steering fluid. Loosen the flare nut (A), and disconnect the feed line (B).





24. Loosen the flare nut (C), and disconnect the return line (D).
25. After disconnecting the 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 the cylinder.

26. Remove the front suspension subframe right mid mount bolts (A).





27. Remove the front suspension subframe left mid mount (A).





28. Remove the steering gearbox mounting bolts on the left gearbox mount, and remove the steering stiffener plate (A).





29. Remove the front suspension subframe front bracket (A) from the body and the subframe.





30. Remove the front suspension subframe rear bracket (A) mounting bolt (B).





31. Loosen the two front suspension subframe mounting bolts (C) on the right and left, and slowly lower the jack supporting subframe (D) with front subframe adapter until the subframe has dropped 30 mm (1 1/8 in.) total.
32. Remove the two flange bolts from the right side of the gearbox, then remove the gearbox mounting bracket (A) and cushion (B).





33. Move the steering gearbox toward the front, and remove the pinion shaft grommet (A) from the top of the valve body unit.





34. Apply vinyl tape (B) to the splines on the pinion shaft.
35. Apply vinyl tape or equivalent material (A) to the brake lines (B) to protect them from the pinion shaft.





36. Move the steering gearbox to the driver's side, and rotate it so the pinion shaft points toward the front of the vehicle.
37. Carefully move the steering gearbox as an assembly toward the driver's side of the vehicle until the pinion shaft clears the wheelwell opening. Be careful not to damage the brake lines with the pinion shaft.





38. Remove the steering gearbox through the wheelwell opening on the driver's side.





39. After removing the steering gearbox, make sure that no power steering fluid gets on the gearbox mount cushions, gearbox housing, surface of the subframe and stiffener. Wipe off any spilled fluid at once.