02 Accord LX F23A1 MT. I need to replace the rack and pinion and I was just wondering if anyone here has done this before. The manual says to remove the steering wheel and cable reel as well as the shift linkage, and I was just wondering if it's completelty nessacary to do so? The cables don't run under the rack. And it doesnt seem like removing the steering joint would have any effect on the steering wheel... but I could be wrong. I have seen racks replaced before and the steering wheel was never removed. Also if someone could explain how to line up the pinion shaft with the rack during installation, it would be much appreciated! Would the best way be just to mark it or is there a factory notch or something that lines it up? Thanks guys!

 

If you look under the dash, directly under the steering wheel you will see a plastic cover, covering the bottom of the steering column. Unscrew and pop off that covering. Then just loosen the lowest one of the compression screw and the steering rack will fall out of the bottom.

It will fall out if you are able to get the high and low pressure lines unbolted that is. But at least it will be loose and ready to pull out. All of that without having to remove the entire steering column.

 

i tried this yesterday, it seems that you have to remove the entire sub-frame in order to remove the rack.