Safety Warning

DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE

HOMESERVICE MANUALSACURA20043.5RLREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 53 (POWER STEERING SYSTEM)STEERING GEARBOX REMOVALSPECIAL TOOLS REQUIREDNOTE THESE ITEMS DURING REMOVAL

2004 Acura 3.5RL

Note these items during removal

2004 Acura 3.5RLSECTION Note these items during 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.

Using solvent and a brush, wash any oil and dirt off of the valve body unit its lines, and the end of 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.

Drain the power steering fluid (see FLUID REPLACEMENT ).
Raise the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported.
Remove the front wheels.
Remove the driver's airbag assembly (see REMOVAL & INSTALLATION (DRIVER-SIDE) article).
Remove the steering wheel (see STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL ).
Remove the steering joint cover.

Fig 1: Steering Joint Cover
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the steering joint bolts (A), disconnect the steering joint by moving the steering joint (B) toward the column.

Fig 2: Steering Joint Bolts
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the cotter pin (A) from the 10 mm nut (B), and loosen the nut.

Fig 3: Separating Tie-Rod Ball Joint And Knuckle
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Separate the tie-rod ball joint and knuckle using the special tool (see FRONT ).
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: Right And Left Tie-Rod Ends
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the exhaust pipe A and mounting bracket B .

Fig 5: Removing The Exhaust Pipe
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Disconnect the A/T shift cable (C) from the transmission (see SHIFT CABLE ).
Loosen the 14 mm flare nut (A), and disconnect the pump outlet hose (B).

Fig 6: Disconnecting The Pump Outlet Hose And The Return Line
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Loosen the 17 mm flare nut (C), and remove the return line (D).
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.
Remove the stiffener plates (A), then remove the right mounting brackets (B) and the cushion (C).

Fig 7: Removing The Stiffener Plates, The Right Mounting Brackets & The Cushion
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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.

Fig 8: Pulling The Steering Gearbox Down
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Move the steering gearbox to the passenger's side until the driver's side rack end rests on the end of the rear beam.
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.