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Autopapyrus · Honda Civic (11th generation)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/honda/civic/centering-the-steering-wheel-by-adjusting-toe/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Honda Civic (11th generation): Centering the Steering Wheel by Adjusting Toe

If the steering wheel sits crooked when the car is driving straight, the cause is almost always a difference in toe between the left and right wheels. Do not move the steering wheel on its splines: it contains an airbag and a clockspring ribbon. The steering wheel is centered by changing the length of the tie rods. They are changed by the same amount in opposite directions, so total toe does not change. If the car also pulls to one side, the cause is something else: tire pressure, tire conicity (conicity pull), or suspension damage.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 1-2 hours Steps: 11

Parts

3
№Part
01 Tie rod endif worn, for the affected side
02 Ball jointif worn, for the affected side
03 Dust bootsif worn

Tools

7
  • lift, or a level surface with a jack and jack stands
  • 12-14 mm wrenches for holding the tie rods
  • open-end wrenches for the tie rod end jam nuts
  • torque wrench
  • lug wrench
  • wheel alignment machine (or a ruler/string for a rough estimate)
  • OBD scan tool for steering angle sensor calibration
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 31 more. See manuals →

Step by step

11 steps
  1. Check the pressure in all tires and set it to the value on the door jamb placard. Inspect the tires for uneven wear. Wheels that were rotated or mismatched tires on the same axle can also cause pulling.
  2. Inspect the suspension and steering: play in the tie rod ends and tie rods, ball joints, condition of the dust boots, control arm bushings, and wheel bearings. Replace any worn part before adjusting, or the alignment will quickly drift out of spec.
  3. Inspect the wheels and body geometry after any curb or pothole impact. A bent wheel or tie rod cannot be fixed by adjustment.
  4. Put the car on a level surface, roll it straight forward a few meters, and take a photo of the steering wheel position. This helps you judge how many degrees of correction are needed. Attach the alignment machine sensors to the wheels and enter the vehicle data. Lock the steering wheel in the center position with the steering wheel holder from the alignment machine kit.
  5. Measure the toe of each wheel separately: read it for each wheel, not just the total. The steering wheel center is set using the individual toe values.
  6. Loosen the jam nuts on the left and right tie rods. Slide the dust boots back so they do not twist when you turn the tie rod ends.
  7. Turn the tie rod ends so that the individual toe values become symmetrical and the steering wheel sits straight. One side's tie rod gets longer and the other gets shorter by the same number of turns. Total toe must remain within factory specification.
  8. Tighten the tie rod end jam nuts while holding the tie rod to keep it from turning. Torque per the Honda specification for your model, approximately 40-55 N·m (30-41 lb-ft). Check that the dust boots are not twisted and straighten them if necessary.
  9. Install the wheels and tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern. The lug nut torque for the Civic is 108 N·m (80 lb-ft).
  10. Take a test drive of 5-10 km on a level road without ruts or strong crosswinds. The steering wheel should be straight and the car should not pull to either side. If necessary, repeat the fine adjustment.
  11. After the adjustment, check that the steering angle sensor reads zero when driving straight. If messages appear on the dash for Honda Sensing systems (lane keeping, adaptive cruise control), or the EPS/VSA indicators come on, calibrate the steering angle sensor with a diagnostic scan tool. Camera recalibration may also be required, which is done with dealer equipment.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Steering and suspension affect safety
  • If you do not have experience and an alignment machine, leave the adjustment to a repair shop: rough "by eye" adjustment throws off the toe and quickly wears out the tires
  • Do not try to remove and reposition the steering wheel yourself: it contains an airbag and a clockspring