Im working on a car (1997 Honda Accord LX) and I need to replace the steering rack, pump is leaking, rack boots are ripped in half, very messy.. I am not familiar with this car and was wondering if anyone could give me some input on this job? I know the lines going into it need to come off (which looks to be a tight spot) and a bunch of other stuff (exhaust, etc..) does the whole rear subframe need to come down, or will a be able to turn it side to side and snake it out like a regular manual rack?

Any input/advice on replacing the steering rack in a 97 Accord is appreciated.

 

wells a helms manual or haynes is always nice to have buttt and im assuming you are talking about a steering gear.. theres no removal of the subframe just angle it to clear it..

 

Thanks, I know a manual would help.. Im not too worried about the job, really just looking to see what could be expected once I dive in. Its a friends car and I want to charge him a fair price but at the same time not rip myself off. I see that im going to need to disconnect the lines running into it for it to be able to drop down, and I can either take the arms off or turn it side to side once I disconnect it inside the car. I know on my crx I found it a lot easier to drop the rack and that doesnt even have lines on it. (manual rack)
I appreciate your advice.

I never realized Honda decided to put the hub over the rotor on the brakes either, what a bad idea.. Is it worth it to do the conversion on the car? I see using CL parts you can move the hub behind the rotor, but new hubs are needed. Either way new wheel bearings will be used.. just a matter of spending the extra 200$ on 2 new hubs. Any advice on that would be sweet too!

 

well that one im not sure about. you could just get the new bearings pressed in and out no? instead of buying new hubs

 

but i mean if you have the extra 200$ cant see it being a bad idea.. just depends where your at with the money wise

 

Yea, As I look into it, it does make the next brake change easier, but that is at least 30,000miles away. Im just going to replace the wheel bearings and use the old hub.

 

yeah thats the way id go, good luck!

 

Does Anyone have any pointers for getting the hard lines off the steering rack? the two that go in on top of the rear subframe, seems the only way to get to them is to jam my arm between manifold and brake reservoir.. but there tight and space is minimal.. thinking maybe I can drop it down and then release the lines... or (worst case) drop the whole rear sub-frame, then Im forced to remove some other stuff too (motor mount)... any tips?

 

HELP!