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This is my first post on a forum like this, not quite sure how it works.. but here it goes.

I have a 95 DX Coupe, up kept very well. I recently put alot of work into this car. I've almost gotten everything mechanical in tip top shape. I buy all my own parts and do my own work.
I just got a new rack and pinion in the mail, and I've never replaced one before. *I'm curious how long it might take to replace it.* I'm crunched for time and i want to be sure I have enough time allotted to do it. It's a manual rack and pinion assembly, I also just bought and started to read the Chilton manual for my car so i have a general idea of how to remove and install it.
Any input is appreciated! I just want to do it quickly, but correctly! (Also I've been told it can be difficult to align the gear knuckle perfectly to the steering wheeling shaft.. Is that true? Sounds like I may possibly have to snap it in, then remove it and adjust it multiple times. If that's the case it'll take much longer than anticipated.)

 
Rep Power: 222

I'd give yourself a day, how mechanically inclined are you?
Take it for an alignment after you're done. As soon as you can, but a day or two won't be the end of the world.

 
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Decently inclined. Just recently swapped an engine,
replaced both drive shafts,
lower left front control arm, ball joints
front shock assemblies,
put an aftermarket exhaust and piping,
brake pads, rotors
all the tie rods,
and this rack and pinion is making a clunking sound. It's really all i have left and it'll be in pretty good shape for a bit.

Okay. A whole day you think? i figured it'd maybe take 2 hours or so. Doesn't seem that difficult.... And I'll be getting it aligned right after

 
Rep Power: 222

The car is 25 years old, I live in Canada and have to deal with rust
If everything goes perfectly then sure 2 hours, but I'm a realist.

 
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True that. Is it bad up there man? I don't really have to deal with rust at all.
Be real about it. I will DEFINITELY set a whole day if need be. Im trying to love on this car until the frame disintegrates. (And nothing ever goes perfectly LOL)

 
Rep Power: 222

It's pretty bad, that generation of civic and earlier basically don't exist in my area because they've all rotted away. You might see the occasional one but it's usually full of rot and/or bondo

 
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Wow. that's crazy. I'll be sure to keep that in mind if i ever vacation to Canada

 
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So , update.. I got it done today. Took me about 6 hours. Very small space to work with because I can only jack my car up. I had to take out the catalytic converter, and, the transmission shift rod and stabilizer to do it. It sucked.


but I screwed up a bit.. I accidentally let the steering wheel hyper extend too far in one direction and I tore the airbag and horn wires in the steering column. I heard it happen.
is it difficult to take it apart and fix the wiring? Or should I just get a new column?

 
Rep Power: 222

You'll need to buy a new Cable reel. There's another name for it that's escaping me at the moment (clockspring?), relatively easy to replace, just need to remove the steering wheel. Might be able to get one at a junkyard, otherwise, rock auto or similar will have it. Dealership might still carry them as well

 
Rep Power: 243

Yes

 
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Hmmm 🤔, okay. Seems like an easy fix... my horn only works half the time anyway, and airbags tend to make wrecks worse in these older cars, or so I’ve heard. I’ll check that out... so you think the cable inside the reel is what ripped? And that would be hard to just Solder? And put it back together?

 
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Well thank y'all! Clock spring cant be fixed it needs to be replaced

 
Rep Power: 222

Yeah its just a part you replace, not really a repairable item. Not too expensive of a part

 
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Cost $12 at a pick n pull,, replaced it and its great!

 
Rep Power: 222

Sweet deal