Hey guys, I'm currently driving an integra, but I'm hoping to get a '90-91 DX hatch this year, and I'm just wondering if there are any common problems specific to the EF's..
Of course I'll check the CV joints and syncros, but those are pretty common to all Hondas -- are there any really common problems with the EF that are potentially expensive to fix?

Thanks!

 

Rust.

 

lol yeah, i know that one quite well I'm not rushing into buying this thing, so I'm going to be searching high and low for one without any rust.

Are there any particular spots that the rust seems to be most common? Maybe some not-so-noticeable places?

 

These cars are like most other Honda's, but I'll tell you the truth Ef's are notorius for loose shitty steering racks. I think we have all been there or are there right now.

 

Is that way every time I hit a bump it feels like the car is trying to throw itself off the road? What is the easy fix for this?

 

as well as the steering rack, the ball joints and tie rods are a nuisance also. i hate the feeling of a loose steering wheel and worrying about the tie rod bolt coming undone, maybe just because my car is lowered ~2.5

 

Bushings...the Energy bushing kit is fairly cheap but putting them on is a pain...especially if you have to pay someone to do it...It'll probably run you around $500 on labor charges. Rear trailing arm bushings are extra. ($35 pair)

 

Rust in the rear quarter panels and behind the rear bumper is the worst problem with these cars. Inspect your prospective purchase well, rust can kill your car quickly. Other than this, these cars are pretty solid. Also, the driver's seat tends to rip, but this shouldn't be a huge concern.

 

omg so true....
some *** hit my left rear quarter panel with something and caused the paint to crack open about an inch....now a pluage of rust has invaded the quarter panel

 

my car squeaks alot, try to get a 88-89 not 90-91 , the 88-89's are a bit lighter

 

I hear that! Major Problem.

Brakes are also a problem I feel that the car is a little under powered when it comes to brakes. Especilly when you start to make them faster.

 

my rear wiper sags, but thats easily fixable

 

I have no problems with my EF at all other than water in the tail lights. No rust, no steering probs (turns on the dime). I guess I found a great EF.

 

Water in the trunk, Rust. Other then that CV joints. My Civic is pretty solid though, I cant complain!

 

heck, i've replaced all 4 hub assemblies, teh half shafts, dizzy, 2 starters, alternator, oil pan, my tranny is now leaking oil @ teh gasket-so that needs replacing, the driver side airvent(next to the pillar) doesn't seal, so air always rushes in & when it rains water can seep in. oh well; once this car is totally restored it will be dope. (all of that was fixed in teh last 6 months, it's a 91 si)

oh, and my water pump went out last week........


[Modified by dj_sandoz, 5:15 PM 2/5/2003]

 

rust in the gas tank compartment, open the gas door and check there, and what everyoen else said.

 

90-91 cars, trashed door panels.

Driver [to passenger]: 'Can you please make sure the seatbelt is in before you close the door?'
Passenger [getting out of car]: 'Huh?'
Driver [kicking himself again for not buying a 89 Si]: 'Doh!'

 

Water in the trunk, rust in rear quarters, seat belts for the 90-91 not retracting. All can be fixed. Tail lights need to have some foam weather stripping put on them works like a charm and looks beter the sylicone, can fix the seat belt but kinda risk seeing have to disassemble the case that say "Dont remove" and fix the tab. Rust is the major kill all though.

 

slowman ef, if I recall correctly you are at stock height---mine felt great at stock height till I slammed it then after about a month I blew every balljoint---youll see---I just recently finished replacing the susp. joints and it finally feels like stock height steering again.( no loud noises hitting bumps or shakes at highway speeds.)

 

hahaah. thats funny. i drive a 90. i know what your talking about. i owned an 89 too.

stupid seat belts. hey i got discs in the rear now. its all good.

 

dont bother with a DX. wiring nightmare for swaps. i'd invest, especially since under what i've found to be true, into an Si. they are generally kept cleaner and in better condition considering the original cost. plus, they are MPFI, not DPFI.

 

:raises hand: who else has had this problem and fixed it? What did you have to do? Anything else besides the tie rods and ball joints?

 

The hf is also MPFI and lighter. Also, I suggest buying your car from a state without a lot of rain and humidty. I found mine in Texas with no rust.
-kev

 

This is directed to Home Skillet. You are under the impression that I was a while ago, that there was only the outer tie rod ends. Thanks to H-T I found out that there was inners as well, which are on a extreme angle if you are significantly lowered. These are a main cause of that nasty, sloppy feeling. I went and bought new honda ones, threw em' in and had it re-aligned and WOW! Huge difference, almost fixed. Then I did front upper balljoints as well and that solved it. READ THIS- That problem haunted me until I replaced every balljoint, rod end, bushing, etc.


[Modified by Ef *****, 6:14 PM 2/5/2003]

 

another well known problem with EF's is the hatch tends to squeak