CHECK THE U-JOINT PHASING
APPLIES TO: All Honda models with telescopic steering
SERVICE INFORMATION
If your answer is YES, then the steering column U-joints could be out of phase. This usually happens when the sub frame is removed with the steering rack still attached and the pinion shaft isn’t disconnected from the steering column shaft. When you go to remove the sub frame, the lower U-joint pulls completely from the shaft.
Since the angles of the steering column shaft and the steering rack are different by design, the relationship of the upper and lower U-joints is critical to ensure smooth steering. If the lower U-joint isn’t re-installed just right, you’ll wind up with this problem.
To fix it, just line up the white paint marks on the lower U-joint and steering column shaft. If there aren’t any paint marks, find a known-good vehicle and follow these steps:
1. Find and project the center lines of the upper and lower U-joints onto the steering column shaft.
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Measure the offset by counting the number of splines between those two center lines.
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Line up the lower U-joint of the vehicle you’re working on to match that offset.
STEERING WHEEL FEELS STICKY?
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