/
Uneven or rough steering
Steering wheel kicks back
during wide t!rns.
ll,
)
Adjust the rac* guide (see page 17-3).
lf the problem is not corrected bY
adjusting the rack guide, replace
the gearbox.
Adiust the belt tension. Feplace the
belt, il necessary (see Page 17 32).
lfthe engine stalls when the wheel
is turned while car is stopped or
moving at low speed, adjust the
idle spe€d (see section 11)
ldle speed low or erratic.
Check power sleering fluid level lf
the level is excessively low, check
lor leaks in the system. Add lluid
to the specified level.
Air in reservoir, or check Powersteering Iluid level.
lf ltuid level is OK, check O-rings
and seals on both ends of thepump inlet hose, and the P/Spump housing mating surfaces
and the pumP shaft oil seal for
suction leaks. RePlace Parts as
nocessary.
Adjust the belt tension (see Page17 32)or replace belt.Pump belt sliPPing on PLrlleY(pump stops momentarilY)
Check if pump press{rre is normal
and the gauge needle travel is 500
kPa (5 kgl/cm?, 7l Psi) or less.
Chock the flow control valve if the
needle travel exceeds 500 kPa (5
kgflcm' , 71 Psi). l{ the flow control
valve is normal, replace the PumPas an assemoly.
Install the power steering pressure
gauge, Close the Pressure contrcl
valve fully and m6ssure the PumPpressure {s€e page 17-34}.
17 -25,
IRack Guide Adjustment
NOTE: Perform rack guide adjustment with the wheels
in the straight ahead Position.
1. Loosen the rack guide screw locknut with the
cialtool.
'96 - '97 models:
Loosen the rack guide screw
'98 - '00 models:
Remove the rack guide screw and remove the old
sealant off of the threaded section.
Apply new sealant all around the threads. Loosely
installthe rack guide screw
Tighten the rack guide screw to 25 N'm (2.5 kgf'm.
18 lbf.ft), then loosen it.
Retighten the rack guide screw to 3 9 N'm (0.4 kgim,
2.9 lbf.ft), then back it off to specified angle.
Specified Return Angle: 20" max.
Tighten the locknut while holding the rack guide
screw.
Check for tight or loose steering through the com-
plete turning travel.
Perform following insPections:
. Steering operation (see page 17-30).
. Power assist with vehicle parked.
4.
LOCKNUT WRENCH, 40 mm
lr
17-33
Fluid Replacement
Check the reservoir at regular intervals, and add fluid as
necessary.
CAUTION: Always us€ Genuine Honda Power Stearing
Fluid-V or S. Using any other type of power sto€ring
tluid or automatic transmission lluid can cause
increased wear and poor steering in cold weathor.
SYSTEM CAPACITY:
0.85 liter 10.90 US' qt,0.75 lmp'qt)
at disassembly
RESERVOIR CAPACITY:
0.4 liter (0.42 US. qt, 0.35 lmP.qt)
LEVEL LINE
LOWER LEVEL LINE
1. Raise the reservoir, then disconnect the return nose.
2. Connect a hose of suitable diameter to the discon-
nected return hose, and put the hose end in a suit-
able container.
CAUTION: Take care not to spill tho fluid on the
body and parts. Wipe off any spill€d fluid at oncs'
3. Start the engine, let it run at idle, and turn the steer-
ing wheel from lock-to-lock several times When
fluid stops running out of the hose, shut off the
engine, Discard the fluid.
4. Reinstall the return hose on the reservoir'
5. Fill the reservoir to the upper level line.
6. Start the engine and run it at fast idle, then turn the
steering trom lock-to-lock several times to bleed air
trom the system.
7. Recheck the fluid level and add some it necessary.
CAUTION: Do not fill the reservoir beYond the
upper l€vel line.
HOSE
Steering Wheel
l,/
Removal
SRS components are located in this area Review the
SRS component locations, precautions, and procedures
in the SRS section (24) before performing repairs or ser-
vice.
NOTE: Before removing the steering wheel. align the
front wheels straight ahead.
1. Remove the driver's airbag assembly from the
steering wheel (see section 24)
2. Disconnect the horn connector and cruise control
switches connector.
CRUISESWITCHES CONNECTOR
3. Remove the steering wheel nut
STEERING WHEEL NUT
Replace.
Remove the steering wheel by rocking it slightly from
side-to-side as you pull steadily with both hands.
ag N.m {5.0 kgt rn, 36lbfft)
1.,
17-35
lnstallation
CAUTION: Do not tap on the steering wheel or steering
column shaft when installing the stsering wheel.
NOTE: Before installing the steering wheel, align the
front wheels straight ahead.
1. Before installing the steering wheel, center the
cable reel, Do this by first rotating the cable reel
clockwise until it stops. Then rotate it counterclock-
wise approximately two turns The arrow mark on
the cable reel label should points straight up.
Install the steering wheel with the steering wheel
nut.
NOTE: Be sure the steering wheel shaft engages
the cable reel and canceling sleeve.
Attach the cruise control switches connector io the
steering wheel cliP,
Connect the horn connector.
Install the driver's airbag assembly, and confirm
proper system operation (see section 24).
Check the horn and cruise control switches for
proper operatrons.
CAELE REEL
Steering Column
I
Removal/lnstallation
SRS components are located in this area. Review the
SRS component locations, precautions, and proceclures
in the SRS sectron (24) before pertorming repairs or ser-
vice.
NOTE: Before removing the steering column for SRS,
remove the driver's airbag assembly and cable reel lsee
section 24).
1. Remove the steering wheel (see page 17 35).
2. Remove the driver's dashboard lower cover and
driver's knee bolster (see section 20).
3. Remove the combination switch assembly from the
steering column sha{t by disconnecting the connec-
tors.
4. Disconnect the ignition switch connectors.
5. Remove the steering joint cover.
6. Bemove the steering joint bolls.
7. Disconnect the steering ioint by moving the joint
toward the column, and remove it from the column
shaft.
8. Remove the steering column by removing the
attaching nuts and bolt.
UPPER
RETAINING COLLABNOTE: Take care not to let the
retaining collar fall out ofposition during installation.
STEERING JOINT BOLTS22 N.m {2.2 kgf.m, 16lbtft}
9. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure
NOTE:
. Make sure the steering joint is connected as follows:
a. Insert the upper end of the steering ioint onto the
steering shaft (line up the bolt hole with the flat on
the shait), and loosely install the upper joint bolt.
b. Slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the
pinion shaft (line up the bolt hole with the groove
around the shaft), and loosely install the lower
joint bolt.
Be sure that the lowei joint bolt is securely in the
groove in the pinion shaft.
c. Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the
steering joint js fully seated. Then tighten the ioint
bolts.
. 8e sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any
parts when installing the column
. Make sure the wire harness is routed and fastened
properly.
. Make sure the connectors are properly connected.
STEERING COLUMN
COMBINATION SWITCHASSEMBLY
FLANGE NUT13 N.m {1.3 kgl.m.9 lbf ft)
COLUMN COVER
FLANGE BOLTS22Nm12.2kgl'm,16 tbt.tr)
UPPER JOINT BOLTBolt musl line upon shaft.
Groove.
LOWER JOINT BOLT8oh must line up wrthgroove around on shaft.
CLIP
J
JOINT COVER
17-37
Steering Gearbox
)
Removal
NOTE: Using solvent and a brush, wash any oil and dirt
off the valve body unit its lines. and the end if the gear-
box. Blow dry with comPressed air.
1. Drain the power steering fluid as described on page
2. Raise the front of vehicle, and support it on safety
stands in the proper locations (see section 11.
3, Remove the front wheels.
4. Remove the driver's airbag assembly, and steering
wheel (see page 17-35)
5. Bemove the steering joint cover.
6. Remove the steering joint lower bolt, and loosen
the steering joint upper bolt. Disconnect the steer-
ing joint by moving the ioint toward the column
tJ
17-47
TIE.ROD END
7. Remove the cotter pin from the castle nut {'96 -'97
models) or nut ('98 - '00 modslsl and remove the nut.
BALL JOINT REMOVER.28 mm07MAC - SLqI2|X)
'98 - '00 mod.b:NUT
8.
COTTER PINSRepl6ce.
lnstall the t0 mm hex nut on the ball joint.
Be sure that the 10 mm hex nut is flush with the ball
joint pin end, or the threaded section of the ball
joint pin might be damaged by the special tool.
NOTE: Remove the ball joint using the special tool.
Refer to section 18 for how to use ths ball joint
remover.
Seoarate the tie-rod ball joint and knuckle using the
specialtool.
CAUnON: Avoid damaging tho ball ioint boot.
Remove the left tie-rod end, then slide the rack all the
way to the right.
Separate the exhaust pipe A or TWC (see section 9).
Disconnect the shift linkage (see section 13 or section
14).
(cont'd)
9.
10.
11.
12.
)
55. Installthe cylinder lines A and B.
NOTE:
. Clean the joints of the cylinder lines A and B
thoroughly. The joints must be free of foreign
materlal.
. Install the cylinder lines A and B by tighting the
flare nuts by hand first, then tighten the flare
nuts to the specified torque.
56.
57.
Grease the sliding surface of the rack guide, and
install it onto the gear housing
36 - '97 models:
Apply a thin coat of grease to the new O-ring, and
install it on the rack guide screw.
38 - '00 models:
Remove the old sealant off of the threaded section,
then apply new sealant all around the threads
Install the spring, rack guide screw and locknut on
the gear housing.
Adjust the rack guide screw (see page 17-33)'
NOTE: After adjusting, check that the rack moves
smoothly by sliding the rack right and left'
'1 l:.r1
58.
-GlO.BINGReplace.
17 N.m {1.7 kgt'm, 12 lbl.ft)
28 N.m (2.7 kgf m,20 lbf ftl
CYLINDER LINE 8 CYLINDER LINE A
l/LOCKNUTS
60, lnstall the new lockwasher in the groove in the
steering rack.
61. Screw each rack ends into the rack'
62. Hold the steering rack with a wrench ('98 -'00 mod-
els: left end onlY), and tighten the rack ends'
CAUTION: Bo cateful nol to damage ihe rack sur-
face with the wranch.
NOTE: '96 -'97 model is shown.
STEERING RACK END
54 N'm t5 5 kgt m' 40 lbl'ft)
STEERING RACK
After tightening the rack ends, stake the four sec-
tions of lock washer with a drift and a mallet.
Place the wood block on the press table. then set
the lock washer section of the rack end on the
wood block securelY.
Be sure the tool is aligned with the flst sections
of the steering rack end belore pressing.
Stake the lock washer in the center ot the flat
section of the steering rack end.
LOCK WASHER
NOTE: This drift has a flat,
to prevent puncturing
WOODEN BLOCK
{cont'd}
17-63
Steering Gearbox
Reassembly (cont'dl
64. Apply grease to the circumference of the rack endhousing.
RACK END GROOVE
=^.#-q!:s!!H
SILICONE GREASE
Apply a light coat of silicone grease to the bootgrooves on the rack ends.
lnstall the boots in the rack end with the tie-rodclips.
NOTE: Install the boots with the rack in the straightahead position (right and left tie-rods are equal inlength).
66.
RACK END
NOTE: Wipe the grease offthe thread section.
17-64
TIE.ROD CLIP
67. Adjust the air hose fitting position of the boots bvturning it as shown below.
LEFT BOOT(Viewed from theleft side)
RIGHT BOOT{Viewed from theright side)
AIR HOSE FITTING
Install new boot bands on the boot, and bend bothsets of locking tabs.
CAUTION: Stlke ths band locking tabs firmly.
Lightly tap on the doubled-over portions to reducetheir height.
Slide the rack right and left to be certain that theboots are not deformed or twisted.
)
1?
12, Install the steering joint cover with the clamps and a
clrp.
Reconnect the tie-rod ends to the steering knuckles,
tighten the castle nut ('96 -'97 models) or nut ('98 -
'OO models) to the specified torque, and install new
cotter plns.
NOTE: Before connecting the tie-rod ends, wipe off
any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered
section and threads.
CAUTION: Torquo the castle nut to the lower torque
sp€cification, then tighten it only tar enough to align
the slot with the pin hole. Do not align the nut by
loosening {,96 -'97 models only).
COTTER PINSReplace.On reassembly, bend
the cotter Pin 6s shown.'96 -'97 models:'98 -'00 mod€ls:
tr
CASTLE NUT40 - a8 N'm(4.0 - 4.8 kgf'm,29 - 35 lbf.ftl
NUT&l N.m{a.5 kgf'm, 33 lbl'ftl
NE-ROD END
(l-,
17-67
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Install the exhaust pipe A or TWC (see section 9).
Connect the shift linkage (see section 13 or section
14).
lnstall the front wheels
Fill the system with power steering fluid, and bleed
air from the system (see page 17-331
After installation, perform the following checks
. Start the engine, allow it to idle, and turn the
steering wheel from lock-tolock several times to
warm up the fluid. Check the gearbox for leaks
(see page 17-39).
. Adjust the front toe (see section 18).
. Check the steering wheel spoke angle. Adjust by
turning the right and left tie-rods, if necessary.
NOTE: Turn the right and left tie-rods equallv