Yep, you will need to lift the car up onto jack stands and remove the front wheels. Here is a video to help you with that:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLFn_bMkZc0
Also, disconnect the battery before you begin.
Tools / supplies
Floor jack + jack stands (or lift)
Wheel chocks
Metric sockets/wrenches (10-19mm common), extensions, swivels
Line wrenches for power steering lines (highly recommended)
Torque wrench
Tie-rod end puller or pickle fork
Pry bar, needle nose pliers
Drain pan, rags, brake cleaner
Paint pen - scribe (for marking column joint + tie-rod length)
New rack & pinion (verify Type-S vs base), new inner/outer tie rods if needed
New rack bushings (if not included)
New cotter pins
Power steering fluid: Honda/Acura PSF (use OEM type fluid)
Optional but smart: new pressure/return line O-rings / sealing washers (depends on rack/line style)
Plan on an alignment afterward. Even if you match tie-rod length perfectly, it’ll be close-but not “done.”
If your replacement rack is reman, confirm:
Correct for Type-S (steering ratio/valving can differ)
Includes/doesn’t include inner tie rods
Line ports match (pressure/return orientation)
Keep the steering wheel straight and don’t spin the wheel with the column disconnected (you can damage the SRS clock spring).
Once the job is done:
Fill reservoir with Honda/Acura PSF to the MAX line.
With front wheels off the ground:
Engine OFF: slowly turn wheel lock-to-lock: 10-15 times.
Keep topping off fluid as air purges.
Start engine and let it idle.
Turn wheel slowly left/right (don’t hold at lock).
Watch for foaming/bubbles. If it foams:
Shut off, let sit 10-15 minutes, repeat.
Verify fluid level and look for leaks at rack line fittings.
These images should help as well.
Check out the images (below). Please upload an image or a short video in your response, so I can see what's going on.
Images (Click to make bigger)
Monday, January 12th, 2026 AT 11:57 AM
