The Honda CR-V entered the market in 1996 to answer the demand for a sport utility vehicle. The second generation, produced from 2002 until 2006, was rated best small SUV by "Car and Driver" magazine following its first release. If you need to install a new steering rack, you need to exercise extra care to avoid damaging the air bag wiring during the process.
Center and lock the steering wheel. Make sure it doesn't turn while the rack and pinion gear is disconnected. Disconnect the negative battery cable, air bag and steering wheel.
Support the front end and remove the front wheels. Remove the lower cover and undercover from the driver's side dashboard and the air cleaner housing. From the underside, you need to unfasten the steering joint bolts, disconnect the tie rod ends and steering hoses, and then remove the left side flange bolts and rack and pinion mounting brackets.
Lower the rack and pinion unit to point the pinion shaft outward. Remove the grommet from the pinion shaft and slide the gear assembly through the driver's side.
Install the new unit. Reattach the bracket and flange bolts with a torque of 46 foot pounds. Connect the supply line and tighten the flare nut to 27 foot pounds of torque. Tighten the nuts on tie rod ball stud to 32 foot pounds of torque and the steering joint bolts to 21 foot pounds of torque.
Replace the air cleaner housing and dash cover, and then mount your wheels. Reconnect the steering wheel, air bag and hook the battery back up. Check the steering lines for leaks and make sure you properly aligned your front end.
