My rack and pinion is pretty much shot on my si hatch,I was wondering if I can install a dx rack and pinion,because I found one at a junk yard for 75. A rebuilt one costs 280, and I dont really want to rebuild the old one, becauseI need new tie rods anyways.So I would rather just swap it out.

 

i swap out my rack on mi si for a dx.it wrks fine but it makes a knocking sound still.i guess i brought a bad one.

 

a DX and Si rack is interchangeable.

however, you can "rebuild" your rack for $15 in parts for pretty much the same effort of taking it out and replacing it.

look in the FAQ for "rack end bushing". thats all you need to replace. adjust the pinion gear and then get an alignment.

it will feel like new after.

quite frankly, i think ppl who think their suspension is shot confuse the steering rack end bushing in need of replacement. this should be replaced on every EF if it hasnt already.

 

No auto parts store carries the rack end bushing, I ask and they say they dont sell rack parts, that I must buy the whole thing. Also will old inner tie rods cause loose steering as well? My steering is really scary right now, its all over the road, and I cant even drive it in the rain, my tires also get eaten up like in no time.

 

you buy it from the dealer dude...

 

Yeah I was thinking about that. Thanks. But awould the inner tie rods also be a problem?

 

yes maybe, youd know once you get underneath and check yourself. but im sure your rack end bushing needs replacement.

you need to take the passenger inner tie rod off anyway to get to it.

search the faq.

 

you can replace it with out taking the inner tie rod off. i have done it.

 

then you have no idea what im talking about.

 

the rack end bushing? #10 in this image. you can do it with out removing the inner tie rod, considering i have never removed an inner tie rod end, BUT have replaced the RACK END BUSHING. it can be done. Tyson, i know you are very knowledgable on this stuff. but it can be done.





also its pretty cheap to order off majestic honda.

 

how the hell do you get it over the inner tie rod.

rack end bushing.



inner tie rod. (driver side)

 

its been a while since ive done it, but i know for sure i didnt remove the inner rod. but by looks of your pics it doesn't look possible. i cant recall exactly what i did, but i know the inner rod stayed on. and i did it while the rack was in the car.

you need a special tool to remove the inner rod correct?
if you can do it with out a special tool then maybe i did remove it..

also im sure it is much easier to replace by removing the inner rod.

the one i was replacing was so bad it fell out into the boot while i was driving. and i was able to put it back in by hand.

 

put it back in, or replace?

you dont really need a any special tools to take the inner tie rod off.

search the archives, i show how i did it, multiple ways.

 

Me to I replaced my inner tie rods and forgot to get the rack end bushing, so i ordered it on my next load of parts. I have moog inner tie's and it just slipped rite over it smaller diameter ball housing compared to oem handa tie's. I actually pushed the bushing with the tie helped out quite a bit.

 

theres also the stop washer, the 1/8" thick one pictured, thats sitting right there too on both ends youd need to "slip over".

i can see the plastic bushing able to expand a bit, but its not that flexible. maybe if you just cut it down one end, itll just wrap around it and still may not affect its function. i can see that.

 

The washer with the moog inner tie rods is smaller and the lock washer is trash im not pimping moog or anything OEM is much better

 

just put it back in to drive the car home. then i replaced it. it may be possible i took the inner rod out to do it but the rack was in the car. it was 4 years ago at least. i just dont remember it being to involved.

 

Ok I rebuilt the rack and pinion, and adjusted the bolt. The steering is a little better. But my alignment is still kind of messed up. I know I need to get an alignment, but before I do that, I want to replace any other parts that could cause my alignment to be this bad.

Also I noticed, that my tires screech when I make turns, or sway from side to side while driving. Is it maybe my ball joints? Or? And when I hit bumps, I hear a bad noise, and sometimes have to grab the steering wheel tight so Im not all over the road.

Thanks for the help.

 

you should have diagnosed the rest of the suspension since you were down there.

you just need to shake the suspension and find the play.

you cannot expect your steering to be anywhere close after taking a tie rod off and on.