The Honda Accord evolved through eight generations since its first release in 1976. The North American model produced from 2003 to 2007 became larger than its predecessors were and was available as a coupe and sedan. That generation shipped with the increasingly popular rack and pinion steering system. You can install your own new rack by following the steps listed below.
Write down the radio theft protection code before disconnecting the battery. Unhook both cables and wait at least three minutes. Raise the entire car on supports then remove the front wheels and drain the steering lines. Also remove the driver side airbag and steering wheel.
Pull off the steering joint cover's top section. Unfasten the bolts and move the steering joint toward the steering column to disconnect. Wrap a wire from the lower slide shaft joint yoke to the upper slide shaft yoke to secure the lower slide shaft to the steering column. Now remove the joint cover lower section, remove the cotter pin and loosen the nut on the tie rod ball joint.
Separate tie rod joint from the steering knuckle. Remove the baffle plate, feed line holder mounting bolt and return hose. Disconnect the fluid lines and plug the lines and hose to prevent contamination.
Fasten the support tool (EQS02C000016) to the front subframe and remove the right and left mount bolts, gearbox mounting bolts, stiffener plate and rear bracket and bolts. Loosen the left and right subframe rear mounting bolts and lower the support tool to lower the subframe by one and one-eighth inch. Remove the right-side flange bolts to unfasten the cushion and mounting bracket.
Shift the gearbox forward and slip the pinion shaft grommet from the valve unit. Tape the pinion shaft splines and the brake lines to protect them from damage. Shift the gearbox toward the right wheel and rotate until the pinion shaft points forward. Carefully move the rack assembly toward the right wheel well until the pinion shaft clears the opening then pull it completely out.
Position the new gearbox properly then install the mounting bolts. Finish reassembling the steering system. Center the cable reel first by rotating clockwise until secure then rotating back two and a half turns so that the arrow mark points straight up.
Refill the power steering fluid and turn the steering wheel while idling to let the fluid settle. Check for fluid leaks, check the alignment and turn the tie rods to correct the steering wheel's spoke angle.
