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HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA20043.5RLREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)EXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 53 (POWER STEERING SYSTEM)STEERING GEARBOX OVERHAULREMOVAL

2004 Acura 3.5RL

Steering Gearbox Overhaul: Removal

2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002 Acura 3.2CL, and 2001 Acura 3.2CL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the steering gearbox (see STEERING GEARBOX REMOVAL ).
Disassembly
Remove the boot bands (A) and tie-rod clips (B). Pull the boots away from the ends of the gearbox.

Fig 1: Remove The Boot Bands And Tie-Rod Clips
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Unbend the lock washer.

Fig 2: Unbending The Lock Washer
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Hold the flat surface sections (A) of the right side steering rack (B) with a wrench, and unscrew the both rack ends (C) with a wrench. Be careful not to damage the rack surface with the wrench. Remove the lock washer (D) and stop washer (E).

Fig 3: Unscrewing The Both Rack Ends
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Loosen the locknut (A), then remove the rack guide screw (B).

Fig 4: Removing Locknut, Rack Guide Screw, Spring & Rack Guide
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the spring (C) and the rack guide (D) from the gearbox.
Remove the cylinder lines from the gearbox.

Fig 5: Removing The Cylinder Lines
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Drain the fluid from the cylinder fittings by slowly moving the steering rack back and forth.
Remove the two flange bolts, then remove the valve body unit (A) from the gearbox (B).

Fig 6: Removing The Valve Body Unit
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Drill a 3 mm (0.12 in.) diameter hole approximately 2.5-3.0 mm (0.10-0.12 in.) in depth in the staked point (A) on the cylinder: Do not allow metal shavings to enter the cylinder housing. After removing the cylinder end (B), remove any burrs at the staked point.

Fig 7: Drilling A 3 mm (0.12 in.) Diameter Hole
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Attach the yoke of a universal puller (A) to the steering gearbox mounts with bolts. Clamp the yoke in a vise with soft jaws as shown, then loosen and remove the cylinder end (B). Do not clamp the cylinder housing or gearbox housing in the vise.

Fig 8: Removing The Cylinder End
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the bearing separator (A) on the gearbox housing as shown.

Fig 9: Pressing The Cylinder End Seal And Steering Rack Out Of The Gearbox
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Place a appropriate size deep socket wrench (B) on the steering rack (C).
Set the steering gearbox in a press so the left side points upward, then press the cylinder end seal (D) and steering rack out of the gearbox. Hold the steering rack to keep it from falling when pressed clear. Be careful not to damage the inner surface of the cylinder housing with the tool.
Remove the cylinder end seal from the steering rack.
Insert a 24" long, 3/8" drive extension (A) and the special tool into the cylinder from the left side. Make sure that the special tool is securely positioned on the backup ring edges. Be careful not to damage the inner surface of the cylinder with the special tool.

Fig 10: Inserting Special Tool Into The Cylinder
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Set the gearbox in a press, then press out the cylinder end seal (A) and backup ring (B) from the gearbox.
Note these items when pressing the cylinder end seal:
- Keep the tool straight to avoid damaging the cylinder wall. Check the tool angle, and correct it if necessary, when removing the cylinder end seal.
- Use a press to remove the cylinder end seal. Do not try to remove the seal by striking the tool. It will break the backup ring, and the cylinder end seal will remain in the gearbox.
Fig 11: Pressing Out The Cylinder End Seal And Backup Ring From The Gearbox
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Carefully pry the piston seal ring (A) and O-ring (B) off the rack piston. Be careful not to damage the inside of the seal ring groove and piston edges when removing the seal ring.

Fig 12: Removing Piston Seal Ring & O-Ring Off The Rack Piston
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Before removing the valve housing (A), apply vinyl tape (B) to the splines on the pinion shaft (C).

Fig 13: Pressing The Valve Housing From The Pinion Shaft/Valve
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Separate the valve housing from the pinion shaft/ valve using a press.
With your finger check the inner wall of the valve housing where the seal ring slides. If there is a step in the wall, the housing is worn. Replace it.
NOTE: There may be sliding marks from the seal ring on the wall of the valve housing. Replace the valve housing only if the wall is stepped.