'83 Honda Accord Rack & Pinion R&R!!!

[Bradley_P.]

HELP......Can't figure to how to remove the power steering type R&P assembly from a 1983 Honda Accord 4 door automatic. The Haynes manual is sorely inadequate. I've disconnected everything. The manual says to drop the unit down and rotate it out of the body. The entire r&p unit extends beyond the welded frame members which support the front suspension. Problem is, there's not enough room to fully disengage the pinion, much less rotate the unit. The welded frame members "box in" the ends so there's no way to drop down far enough to fully release. No mention in the manual about any frame removal...can't anyway...they're welded integral parts attached to the uni-body.

My dad talked to a mechanic at a local dealership who is experienced enough to have worked on this year model. The guy said he doesn't remember any difficulty...it dropped out with a little "downward and to the right" persuasion. Might have worked for him but I'm totally stuck. I can't imagine Honda making it so tough. Someone removed one once 'cause I have a rebuilt I'm HOPING to install...maybe. Any help is REALLY APPRECIATED!!!

Thanks,

Brad

[AccordCodger]

I can't imagine Honda making it so tough.

HA!
I haven't done the steering, but Honda didn't set out to make repairs easy!

[Bradley_P.]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

HA!
I haven't done the steering, but Honda didn't set out to make repairs easy!

Speaking of not easy...is it possible to remove the tie rods in order to shorten the rack length? This would allow the main body of the R&P to drop free...I think. How easy is this...and is this a viable procedure?

Thanks!

Brad