I'm trying to cure an overboosted steering problem on an Integra, and the service manual recommends adjusting the steering rack guide screw. My question is, has anyone done this to recover some of the slop that develops in the steering over time? If so, how much of a difference does it make?

The car is stock. The alignments are within spec (i.e toe, camber, caster).




[Modified by R748, 10:52 AM 1/6/2002]

 

yeah i do one at least once a day. on the drivers side of the rack by the fluid lines(underneath) you'll see a big nut around a 14mm size bolt head. loosen the big nut and tighten the 14mm "bolt" until you feel a resistance, thats the guide bottoming out the guide spring then back it off 1/8th turn and retighten the big lock nut. verify that its not too tight by driving and checking that the steering wheel returns to center properly. if it's too loose or too tight start over at the beginning

 

Do you work at a dealership? The fact that you do them so often is a little strange, as I got blank stares at several Acura dealerships when I mentioned that I wanted my steering rack guide adjusted to spec. You won't believe how many minutes I have to spend explaining to them that this is what HONDA says to do in their own service manuals. Needless to say I walked out of more than one dealership after they tried to convince me that the rack guide would have no effect on steering effort.

In anycase, why do you do them so often? I guess I'm wondering if this is a common complaint among Honda owners or if there is a specific problem you're trying to fix.



[Modified by R748, 1:33 PM 1/8/2002]