Power Steering System — Acura ZDX I (2009-2013)

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Special Tools

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Scheme 2: Component Location Index

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Steering Wheel Rotational Play Check

Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
Measure how far you can turn the steering wheel left and right without moving the front wheels. If the play is within the limit, the steering gearbox and the steering linkage are OK. If the play exceeds the limit, adjust the rack guide (see «RACK GUIDE ADJUSTMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__rack-guide-adjustment) ). If the play is still excessive after rack guide adjustment, do the steering linkage and the gearbox inspection (see «STEERING LINKAGE AND GEARBOX INSPECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ). Rotational play: 0-10 mm (0-0.39 in)

Power Assist Check

Note. This test should be done with original equipment tires and wheels at the correct tire pressure.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Power Assist Check

Check the power steering fluid level (see «FLUID CHECK/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#hydraulic-power-steering-components__fluid-checkreplacement) ).
Start the engine, let it idle, and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to warm up the fluid.
Attach the spring scale (A) to the steering wheel. With the engine idling and the vehicle on a clean, dry floor, pull the scale as shown in illustration, and read it as soon as the tires begin to turn. If the scale reads no more than the specification, the steering gearbox and pump are OK. If the scale reads more than the specification, troubleshoot the steering system (see «SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#hydraulic-power-steering-components) ). Initial turning load: 29 N (3.0 kgf, 6.6 lbf)

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Steering Linkage and Gearbox Inspection

Steering Wheel Removal

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ), and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before doing repairs or service.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Steering Wheel Removal

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Scheme 8

Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ).
Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position, then remove the driver's airbag from the steering wheel (see «DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/airbag/#srs-supplemental-restraint-system__drivers-airbag-replacement) ).
Disconnect the cable reel subharness connector (A).
Loosen the steering wheel bolt (B) three turns.
Install the steering wheel puller (A) on the steering wheel (B). Free the steering wheel from the steering column shaft by turning the pressure bolt (C) of the puller. Note these items when removing the steering wheel: Do not tap on the steering wheel or the steering column shaft when removing the steering wheel. If you thread the puller bolts (D) into the wheel hub more than five threads, the bolts will hit the cable reel and damage it. To prevent this, install a pair of jam nuts five threads up on each puller bolt.
Remove the steering wheel puller, then remove the steering wheel bolt (A) and the steering wheel from the steering column.

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Steering Wheel Disassembly/Reassembly

Steering Wheel Installation

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: Steering Wheel Installation

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Scheme 12

Before installing the steering wheel, make sure the front wheels are pointing straight ahead, then center the cable reel (A). Do this by first rotating the cable reel clockwise until it stops. Then rotate it counterclockwise about three full turns. The arrow mark (B) on the cable reel label should point straight up.
Position the two tabs (A) of the turn signal canceling sleeve (B) as shown in illustration. Install the steering wheel on to the steering column shaft; making sure the steering wheel hub (C) engages the pins (D) of the cable reel and tabs of the turn signal canceling sleeve. Do not tap on the steering wheel or steering column shaft when installing the steering wheel.
Install the steering wheel bolt (A), and tighten it to the specified torque. Connect the cable reel subharness connector (B). Make sure the wire harness is routed and fastened properly.
Install the driver's airbag (see «DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/airbag/#srs-supplemental-restraint-system__drivers-airbag-replacement) ).
Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ), and check these items: Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode; and check that the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, and then goes off. Make sure the horn and turn signal switches work properly. Make sure the steering wheel switches work properly.
After installation, check these items: Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If the steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steering wheel is not centered), correct the engagement of the wheel/column shaft splines. Do the VSA sensor neutral position memorization (see «VSA SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#vsa-system-components__vsa-sensor-neutral-position-memorization) ).

Steering Column Removal and Installation

Scheme 13

Scheme 13: Removal

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Tilt the steering column all the way down, and move it all the way out.
Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ).
Remove the driver's airbag (see «DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/airbag/#srs-supplemental-restraint-system__drivers-airbag-replacement) ), and the steering wheel (see «STEERING WHEEL REMOVAL»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-wheel-removal) ).
Remove the driver's dashboard undercover (see «DRIVER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#dashboard) ).
Pull back the carpet (A).
Remove the steering joint cover (B).
Remove the steering joint bolts (A), then disconnect the steering joint (B) from the pinion shaft and the steering column shaft. NOTE: If the center guide (C) is in place and has not moved, leave it in place. If the center guide has come off, discard it.
Remove the column covers (see «COLUMN COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#dashboard__column-cover-removalinstallation) ), and disconnect the connector from the power tilt/telescopic steering switch (A).
Disconnect the wire harness connectors from the combination switch assembly/cable reel (B) and tilt/telescopic motors (C).
Remove the combination switch assembly/cable reel from the steering column shaft by removing the screws (D).
Disconnect the connectors from the ignition switch (without keyless access system) or electric steering lock (with keyless access system), and release the wire harness clips from the steering column.
Disconnect the connectors from the power tilt/telescopic steering control unit (E).
Remove the steering column (F) by removing the attaching bolts.
Remove the steering column lower cover bracket (G).

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Scheme 16: Installation

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Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Install the steering column in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Take care not to let the sliding plates (A) fall out of position during column installation. Make sure the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts. Make sure that there is no gap (B) between bracket (C), sliding plates, and absorbing plate (D) once column is mounted in place and fixing bolts are tightened. Tighten the screws (E) in the sequence shown in illustration.
Center the steering rack within its stroke.
Insert the upper end of the steering joint onto the steering shaft (A) (line up the bolt hole (B) with the flat portion (C) on the shaft), and loosely install the steering joint upper bolt (D).
Slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft. NOTE: Pinion shaft with center guide: Install the steering joint by aligning the center guide (E). Pinion shaft without center guide: Position the steering column by aligning the gap (F) within the angle.
Align the bolt hole (A) on the steering joint with the groove (B) around the pinion shaft then loosely install the steering joint lower bolt (C).
Pull on the steering joint to make sure that the steering joint is fully seated, then tighten the steering joint lower bolt to the specified torque.
Tighten the steering joint upper bolt (D) to the specified torque.
Install the steering joint cover (A).
Set the carpet (B) in place.
Install the driver's dashboard undercover (see «DRIVER'S DASHBOARD UNDERCOVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#dashboard) ).
Install the steering wheel (see «STEERING WHEEL INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-wheel-installation) ), and the driver's airbag (see «DRIVER'S AIRBAG REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/airbag/#srs-supplemental-restraint-system__drivers-airbag-replacement) ).
Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure (see «BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/body-electrical/#battery) ), and check these items: Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), or press the engine start/stop button to select the ON mode, and check that the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, and then goes off. Make sure the horn and turn signal switches work properly. Make sure the steering wheel switches work properly.
After installation, check these items: Check the steering wheel spoke angle. If the steering spoke angles to the right and left are not equal (steering wheel and rack are not centered), correct the engagement of the joint/pinion shaft splines. Set the steering column to the center tilt/telescopic position, then do the front toe inspection (see «WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#front-and-rear-suspension-inspection__wheel-alignment) ). Do the VSA sensor neutral position memorization (see «VSA SENSOR NEUTRAL POSITION MEMORIZATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#vsa-system-components__vsa-sensor-neutral-position-memorization) ).

Steering Column Position Memorization

Note. If the battery is disconnected, the power tilt and telescopic steering wheel system needs to be reset when you reconnect the battery.

Without keyless access system: Insert the built-in key into the ignition switch, and remove it.
With keyless access system: Insert the remote into the remote slot, and remove it.
The steering wheel automatically moves fully in and up to let you know the system is reset.

Scheme 20

Scheme 20: Steering Column Inspection

Remove the steering column (see «STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-column-removal-and-installation) ).
Check these items. Check the steering column ball bearing (A) and the steering joint bearings (B) for play and proper movement. If any bearing is noisy or has excessive play, replace the steering column as an assembly. Check the sliding plate (C) for distortion or breakage. If there is distortion or breakage, replace the steering column as an assembly. Check the absorbing plate (D) for distortion or breakage. If there is distortion or breakage, replace the steering column as an assembly.
Install the steering column (see «INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ).

Scheme 21

Scheme 21: Steering Lock Replacement

Scheme 22

Remove the steering column (see «STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-column-removal-and-installation) ).
Center-punch both of the shear bolts (A), and drill their heads off with a 5.0 mm (0.197 in) drill bit. Be careful not to damage the steering lock (B) when removing the shear bolts. NOTE: The illustration shows without keyless access system.
Remove the shear bolts from the steering lock, then remove the steering lock.
Without keyless access system: Remove the immobilizer-keyless control unit from the steering lock, then install it to the new steering lock (see «IMMOBILIZER-KEYLESS CONTROL UNIT REGISTRATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#immobilizer-system__immobilizer-keyless-control-unit-registration) ).
Without keyless access system: Install the steering lock without the key inserted.
Loosely tighten the new shear bolts.
Without keyless access system: Insert the ignition key, and check for proper operation of the steering wheel lock and that the ignition key turns freely.
Tighten the shear bolts (A) until the hex heads (B) twist off.
Install the steering column (see «INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ).
Rewrite all new keys or all new remotes to the new immobilizer control unit-receiver, and make sure the immobilizer system works properly: Without keyless access system (see «IMMOBILIZER KEY REGISTRATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#immobilizer-system__immobilizer-key-registration) ), with keyless access system (see «KEYLESS ACCESS SYSTEM REGISTRATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#keyless-access-system) ).

Rack Guide Adjustment

Special Tools Required

Locknut Wrench, 43 mm 07MAA-SL00200 or 07MAA-SL0020A

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Scheme 23: Rack Guide Adjustment

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Scheme 25

Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
Loosen the rack guide screw locknut (A) with the locknut wrench, then remove the rack guide screw (B).
Remove the old sealant from the rack guide screw (A), and apply new sealant (Loctite 565) to the middle of the threads (B). Loosely install the rack guide screw on the steering gearbox. NOTE: If more than 5 minutes has passed after applying the sealant, remove the old sealant and residue, and reapply new sealant.
Tighten the rack guide screw (A) to 25 N.m (2.5 kgf.m, 18 lbf.ft), then loosen it.
Retighten the rack guide screw to 3.9 N.m (0.40 kgf.m, 2.9 lbf.ft), then back it off to the specified angle. Specified return angle: 15±5°
Hold the rack guide screw stationary with a wrench, and tighten the locknut (B) by hand until it's fully seated.
Install the locknut wrench on the locknut, and hold the rack guide screw stationary with a wrench. Tighten the locknut to the specified torque.
Check for unusual steering effort through the complete turning range.
Check the steering wheel rotational play (see «STEERING WHEEL ROTATIONAL PLAY CHECK»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) ) and the power assist (see «POWER ASSIST CHECK»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__power-assist-check) ).

Tie-Rod End Ball Joint Boot Replacement