Civic EP3 - possible steering rack issue?
Discussion
Hey guys, hope you're all well.
I have a 2006 EP3 Type R, which has developed a bit of a problem...
For the last 9 months it's sat stationary on my drive (it's been SORN, been using my EP2 for commuting). Had its first start today - albeit a jump start. All was good, until I went to turn it around, and noticed a huge knock and a kickback on the steering wheel at full lock. Having tried it a few times on each side, there definitely is something not right. It kicks the steering wheel back with some force and makes a loud thudding noise at regular (maybe 1.5sec) intervals on both direction full locks. The EPS warning light also comes on with each knock.
I'm praying it's not (but think it might be) an issue with the steering rack as the bonnet has been on the catch (not fully shut) for 9 months. I'm just hoping water hasn't got through and shot the rack.
Any ideas on if it's the rack, and if so, how much is it usually for a new one?
Thanks guys,
Dan
I have a 2006 EP3 Type R, which has developed a bit of a problem...
For the last 9 months it's sat stationary on my drive (it's been SORN, been using my EP2 for commuting). Had its first start today - albeit a jump start. All was good, until I went to turn it around, and noticed a huge knock and a kickback on the steering wheel at full lock. Having tried it a few times on each side, there definitely is something not right. It kicks the steering wheel back with some force and makes a loud thudding noise at regular (maybe 1.5sec) intervals on both direction full locks. The EPS warning light also comes on with each knock.
I'm praying it's not (but think it might be) an issue with the steering rack as the bonnet has been on the catch (not fully shut) for 9 months. I'm just hoping water hasn't got through and shot the rack.
Any ideas on if it's the rack, and if so, how much is it usually for a new one?
Thanks guys,
Dan
If the EPS light is on it's worth getting the code, although I have had the EPS light come on when the car has been sat for a bit which then goes off when you actually drive the car.
The knocking is likely the slider that's f
ked, bit of a pain in the ass but possible to DIY the swap...
See my thread halfway down this page:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The knocking is likely the slider that's f
ked, bit of a pain in the ass but possible to DIY the swap...See my thread halfway down this page:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
^ Spot on and usually the issue.
From the sound you described it sounds like a spring popping/binding too.
But maybe not if the EPS light is on... Maybe jack it up at the front with both wheels suspended and see if you can notice
anything else lock-to-lock. I wouldn't worry about bonnet being left on catch, racks sealed.
If it ends up being the rack issue and you do a part exchange deal, Make sure the rack you receive is from a Facelift EP3 and nothing else,
because motorfactors etc... often try and flog base model racks or prefacelift EP3 racks on and these don't have the correct powersteering motor
attached.
Get down behind the engine where the rack is attached to car, pull up and down on bracket in middle which holds the steering arms and check
for vertical movement here, often a tell tale sign that the slider is worn.
From the sound you described it sounds like a spring popping/binding too.
But maybe not if the EPS light is on... Maybe jack it up at the front with both wheels suspended and see if you can notice
anything else lock-to-lock. I wouldn't worry about bonnet being left on catch, racks sealed.
If it ends up being the rack issue and you do a part exchange deal, Make sure the rack you receive is from a Facelift EP3 and nothing else,
because motorfactors etc... often try and flog base model racks or prefacelift EP3 racks on and these don't have the correct powersteering motor
attached.
Get down behind the engine where the rack is attached to car, pull up and down on bracket in middle which holds the steering arms and check
for vertical movement here, often a tell tale sign that the slider is worn.
krismccloy said:
If it ends up being the rack issue and you do a part exchange deal, Make sure the rack you receive is from a Facelift EP3 and nothing else,
because motorfactors etc... often try and flog base model racks or prefacelift EP3 racks on and these don't have the correct powersteering motor
attached.
There are supposedly some differences in the racks but I've fitted a facelift rack into my pre-facelift, they bolt/plug straight in and I can't tell any differences TBH.because motorfactors etc... often try and flog base model racks or prefacelift EP3 racks on and these don't have the correct powersteering motor
attached.
designforlife said:
If the rack is borked, it's a good excuse to upgrade to a DC5 rack and hydraulic PS.
Really not an easy job at all though. Sorry to jump on this. I’ve recently bought a Jdm ep3.
On full lock the stereo would cut out and the steering wheel would kickback.
Friend is a Honda specialist. He popped the code reader onto it and all paths lead to a duff battery.
If the battery is low on voltage it will throw a few things out.
Anyway I’ve replaced the battery with a Yuasa and not had any issues since.
Hopefully you’ve still got your car. Not all issues are down to the racks . Being a 2006 yours will have the better rack anyway.
Good luck.
On full lock the stereo would cut out and the steering wheel would kickback.
Friend is a Honda specialist. He popped the code reader onto it and all paths lead to a duff battery.
If the battery is low on voltage it will throw a few things out.
Anyway I’ve replaced the battery with a Yuasa and not had any issues since.
Hopefully you’ve still got your car. Not all issues are down to the racks . Being a 2006 yours will have the better rack anyway.
Good luck.
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