Rack Guide Adjustment

2002 Honda Civic SiSECTION Rack Guide Adjustment
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Acura MDX, 2005 Acura MDX, 2004 Acura MDX, and 2003 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required 

Locknut wrench, 40 mm 07916-SA50001

  1. Set the wheels in the straight ahead position.
  2. Loosen the rack guide screw locknut (A) with a special tool, then remove the rack guide screw (B).
    Fig 1: Removing Rack Guide Screw
    G03641074Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Remove the old sealant from the rack guide screw threaded section, and apply new sealant (Three Bond 1215 or LOCTITE 5699) around the threads (A). Loosely install the rack guide screw on the steering gearbox.
    Fig 2: Identifying Rack Guide Screw Return Angle
    G03641075Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Tighten the rack guide screw to 25 N.m (2.5 kgf.m, 18 lbf.ft), then loosen it.
  5. Retighten the rack guide screw to 3.9 N.m (0.4 kgf.m, 2.9 lbf.ft), then back it off to the specified angle.

    Specified return angle: 20 ° max. 

  6. Hold the rack guide screw stationary with a wrench, and install the locknut by hand until it's fully seated.
  7. Install the special tool on the locknut, and hold the rack guide screw stationary with a wrench. Tighten the locknut to the specified torque.
  8. Check for unusual steering effort through the complete turning travel.
  9. Check the steering wheel rotational play (see STEERING WHEEL ROTATIONAL PLAY CHECK  ) and the power assist (see STEERING WHEEL ROTATIONAL PLAY CHECK  ).
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.