Service Bulletin
June 1, 2017

14-031
06636 Version 6

Steering Column Screeches When Moving
Supersedes 14-031, dated October 5, 2016, to revise the information highlighted in yellow
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
2014–15
MDX
2016
MDX
2016
MDX
2014–16
RLX
2014, 2016 RLX Hybrid

Trim
ALL
AWD
2WD
ALL
ALL

VIN Range
ALL
5FRYD4H..GB000001 thru 5FRYD4H..GB060678
5FRYD3H..GB000000 thru 5FRYD3H..GB020816
ALL
ALL

REVISION SUMMARY
Under AFFECTED VEHICLES, the 2014, 2016 RLX Hybrid was added.
SYMPTOM
In high ambient temperatures, the steering column screeches or squeals when it moves in or out.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Premature wear of the steering column gearbox components.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the steering column assembly.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

Steering Column (2014–15 MDX)

53200-TZ5-A52

1

Steering Column (2016 MDX)

53200-TZ5-A62

1

Steering Column (RLX, RLX Hybrid)

53200-TY2-A03

1

Driver’s Knee Airbag Bolts (MDX)

90178-TZ5-003

4

Driver’s Knee Airbag Bolts (RLX, RLX Hybrid)

90178-SNA-003

4

Steering Lock Kit (bracket and two left-hand thread bolts)

06352-TX4-A11

1

Steering Wheel Bolt

90161-TX4-000

1

Driver’s Airbag Bolts

90134-S6A-A80

2

CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not
assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies,
contact an authorized Acura automobile dealer.

© 2017 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

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WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Flat
Rate
Time

Template
ID

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Remove and replace
the steering column.
(2014–16 RLX) and
(2014, 2016 RLX
Hybrid)

1.1 hrs

14-031N

07409

04201

D

Add for alignment.

0.4 hr

14-031P

510100

Remove and replace
the steering column.
(2014–15 MDX)

1.8 hrs

14-031Q

D

Add for alignment.

0.4 hr

14-031R

510100

Remove and replace
the steering column.
(2016 MDX)

1.8 hrs

14-031S

D

Add for alignment.

0.4 hr

14-031T

Operation
Number

Description

510100

Skill Level:

Failed Part
Number

53200-TY2-A02

07409

04201

53200-TZ5-A51

07409

04201

53200-TZ5-A61

Repair Technician

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Do the battery terminal disconnection procedure.
2. Remove the driver’s airbag.
3. Remove the steering wheel.
4. Remove the driver’s dashboard lower cover.
5. Remove the steering column cover.
6. Disconnect the combination switch connectors and remove the clip.

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7. Remove the clips and disconnect the following connectors:
-

Cable reel connectors
Steering angle sensor connector
(2014–15 models only): Electric steering lock connector
Tilt/telescopic motors connector

8. Remove the combination switch body assembly from the steering column shaft.

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9. Disconnect the driver’s knee airbag inflator connector, then remove the mounting bolts.

10. MDX Only: Remove the front door sill trim.
11. MDX Only: Remove the driver’s side kick panel.
12. MDX Only: Remove the driver’s side center console cover.
13. Remove the steering joint cover.

14. Hold the lower side shaft on the column with a piece of wire between the joint yoke of the lower side shaft and the
joint yoke of the upper shaft to prevent the lower slide shaft from pulling out.

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15. Remove the steering joint bolt, then disconnect the steering joint from the pinion shaft.
NOTE: If the center guide is in place and has not moved, leave it in place. If the center guide has come off, discard
it.

16. Remove the steering column.

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17. 2014–15 RLX, 2014 RLX Hybrid/2014–15 MDX Only: Centerpunch both of the two shear bolts and drill out the
heads with a 5 mm (0.20 in) drill bit.
NOTE: The shear bolts have left-hand threads.

18. Install the steering lock onto the new steering column with the new bracket and new left- hand thread bolts.

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19. Install the steering column.
NOTE: Make sure the connectors are securely connected and the wires are not caught or pinched by any parts.

20. Remove the wire.

21. Set the rack in the straight-ahead position and slip the steering joint onto the pinion shaft.
NOTE: If the pinion shaft has a guide, install the steering joint by aligning the center guide. If the pinion shaft does
not have a guide, position the steering column by aligning the gap within the angle.

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22. Align the bolt hole on the steering joint with the groove around the pinion shaft and loosely install the steering joint
bolt. Be sure the joint bolt is securely in the groove. Pull on the steering joint to make sure the bolt is fully seated,
then tighten it to RLX, RLX Hybrid 29 N∙m (21 lb-ft), MDX 31 N·m (23 lb-ft).

23. Install the steering joint cover.

24. Install the driver’s knee airbag and torque the new mounting bolts to 9.4 N∙m (6.9 lb-ft). Then, connect the driver’s
knee airbag inflator connector.

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25. Install the combination switch body assembly and tighten the three screws in the numbered sequence as shown.

26. Install the clips and connect the following connectors:
- Tilt/telescopic motors connector
- Cable reel connector A
- Cable reel connector B
- Steering angle sensor connector
- (2014–15 models only): Electric steering lock connector

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27. Install the clip and connect the combination switch connectors.

28. Install the column cover.
29. Install the driver’s dashboard lower cover.
30. Install the steering wheel and tighten the new steering wheel bolt.
NOTE: The steering wheel bolt is coated with either a green or blue thread lock. The specified torque value varies
depending on the type of steering wheel bolt used.
Green-Coated Bolts: 49 N∙m (36 lb-ft)
Blue-Coated Bolts: 60 N∙m (44 lb-ft).
31. Install the driver’s airbag and torque the new Torx bolts to 9.4 N∙m (6.9 lb-ft).
32. Do the battery terminal connection procedure.
33. Check the wheel alignment and adjust it if necessary.
34. Do the VSA sensor neutral position memorization procedure.
35. MDX Only: Do the steering angle sensor neutral position clear procedure.
36. RLX, RLX Hybrid Only: Do the steering rack end stop position learning procedure.
37. Do the driving position memory clear procedure.
NOTE: If the driving position memory is not cleared, the column will not have its full range of travel.

END

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