Basically been running stock steering rack for the last 3 years with no boot covering the inners. Finally time to replace in and out due to play at the joint.

Should I get a refurbished rack or just change the in/out and call it a day? Think it's safe to assume water/dirt has gotten in lol

 

If it seems alright, I'd just pull it, clean it, put new grease, change the rack end bushing for good measure and slap new boots on there. Maybe even go as far as replacing the pinion bearing. Half the work is already done if you decide to pull the rack anyway. Or you could just take the gamble; maybe you'll have to tear it down/replace it anyway, maybe you won't.. Peace of mind is always nice...

 

theres no point in replacing the whole rack.

there is nothing to rebuild other than a new rack end bushing (*there is only 1, its white and plastic and you buy it from the dealer for $11) and adjust the pinion gear.

then buy new boots and tie rods.

take the whole rack out and rebuild it yourself. same labor as if you were replacing it anyway.

*10/10 every noob thinks im talking about some polyurethane replacement bushings when i say rack end bushing and explain where to buy it and how much it costs they still ask.... its not hard to search for more information.

 

Got in/out rods chilling in the closet for 2 yrs now just nvr changed cause no point until now. And where exactly would u grease? Need to tear down tmrw but the boot is just to keep the elements out

 

Once you pull it you can separate the rack end from the pinion (the small gear, driven by the steering wheel from the large shaft which drives the inner/outter ends). Grease all the teeth and replace the rack end bushing then you're good to go. The bushing is approximately $25-28, plus some grease and your into the whole thing for no more than $30... If you need additional info just search crx/civic steering rack rebuild. I recall a really good write up done by a father/son team, albeit it was the quafie install although it was damn near the same process. If you pull the rack and keep in mind: pull the rack, clean, grease and install the rack end bushing, you shouldn't have any problems. Keep in mind, to pull the rack you need to turn the steering rack full lock toward one side (I believe its passanger side but I'm not fully confident on that one - it's one or the other).

 

Need to tear down tmrw but the boot is just to keep the elements out