Prelude L4-1958cc SOHC (1988)
Steering Gear: Service and Repair
Manual Steering
2 Wheel Steering
Prior to removing steering gear on models with power steering, proceed as follows:
1.
Disconnect fluid return hose from pump reservoir and place end of hose in suitable container.
2.
Start engine, then turn steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
3.
When fluid stops running from hose, stop engine.
4.
Reconnect hose to pump.
5.
After installing gear, fill reservoir and repeat step 2 to bleed air from system, filling reservoir as needed.
Manual Steering
1.
Remove bottom bolt from steering shaft coupler, then disconnect coupler from pinion shaft.
2.
Raise and support front of vehicle and remove wheels.
3.
Remove cotter pins and retaining nuts, then disconnect tie rods from steering knuckles using suitable puller.
4.
Remove sub-frame center beam.
5.
On models with manual transmission, disconnect shift rod extension from transmission.
6.
On models with automatic transmission, remove shift cable guide from floor and pull cable down by hand.
7.
On all models, remove nuts securing exhaust pipe to manifold and exhaust pipe bracket nuts, then lower exhaust pipe.
8.
Push rack all the way to the right, then remove steering gear brackets.
9.
Lower steering gear until pinion shaft clear opening in frame and rotate steering gear forward until pinion shaft points toward the rear.
10.
Move steering gear to the right until the left tie rod clears the exhaust pipe, then lower steering gear and remove from left side of vehicle.
11.
Reverse procedure to install. Torque bracket bolts to 16 ft. lbs., tie rod nuts to 32 ft. lbs. and coupler pinch bolt to 22 ft. lbs. When installing
center beam, ensure insulator is centered with mount on transmission.
Power Steering
1.
Turn steering wheel all the way to the left.
2.
Remove boot from base of steering column, loosen upper and lower steering shaft coupler pinch bolts, then disconnect coupler from steering gear.
3.
Raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheels and steering gear shield.
4.
Remove cotter pins and retaining nuts, then disconnect tie rods from steering knuckles using suitable puller.
5.
Remove sub-frame center beam.
6.
Remove transmission control cable holder.
7.
Remove nuts securing exhaust pipe to manifold and exhaust pipe bracket nuts, then lower exhaust pipe.
8.
Clean dirt from steering gear control unit, disconnect fluid lines, then plug lines and open fittings.
9.
Remove steering gear bracket bolts, pull steering gear down until pinion shaft clears frame, move gear to the right until left tie rod drops free, then
remove gear from left of vehicle.
10.
Reverse procedure to install. Torque bracket bolts to 16 ft. lbs., tie rod nuts to 32 ft. lbs. and coupler pinch bolts to 22 ft. lbs.
4 Wheel Steering
Prior to removing steering gear on models with power steering, proceed as follows:
1.
Disconnect fluid return hose from pump reservoir and place end of hose in suitable container.
2.
Start engine, then turn steering wheel from lock to lock several times.
3.
When fluid stops running from hose, stop engine.
4.
Reconnect hose to pump.
5.
After installing gear, fill reservoir and repeat step 2 to bleed air from system, filling reservoir as needed.
Front Unit
1.
Disconnect steering joint from steering gear.
2.
Raise and support front of vehicle, then remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
3.
Using a suitable tool, disconnect tie rod ends from steering knuckle.
4.
Remove center support attaching bolts and center support.
5.
Disconnect and remove exhaust pipe.
6.
Remove splash shield, then clean are around control unit.
7.
Disconnect hydraulic lines from control unit.
8.
On models with automatic transaxle, disconnect shift control cable at transaxle.
9.
Separate joint guard cap, then remove joint bolt from driven pinion side.
10.
Remove joint bolt from center steering shaft, then slide joint block from driven pinion.
11.
Remove stabilizer bar clamp attaching bolts.
