Hicas Lock Kit with Fitting Position Rear Axle

A HICAS lock kit disables the HICAS rear-steer function so the rear wheels no longer steer. Also commonly searched for as a HICAS delete kit or HICAS lockout kit, this modification is used by drivers who want to remove rear-steer behaviour and create a more conventional fixed rear-steering arrangement.

HICAS systems differ between vehicles and production years, including hydraulic and electric versions. A lock kit must match the specific system fitted to the vehicle, so confirm the HICAS type and product application before ordering or installation.

What Is HICAS?

HICAS is a rear-wheel steering system designed to add a small amount of rear-wheel steering to the normal steering input from the front wheels. Depending on the system and driving conditions, the rear wheels can change angle slightly in response to factors such as steering input and vehicle speed.

This means steering behaviour is influenced by both axles rather than solely by the front wheels.

When HICAS is disabled and the rear steering mechanism is locked in position, the rear wheels no longer provide this active steering input. Steering is then controlled by the front wheels in the same general way as a conventional vehicle without rear-wheel steering.

Hydraulic vs Electric HICAS

HICAS evolved over time, and not every system operates in the same way.

Earlier versions use a hydraulic HICAS system, with hydraulic pressure operating the rear-steering mechanism. Later versions can use electric actuation instead.

This distinction matters when selecting a HICAS lockout or delete solution. A component designed around a hydraulic system should not automatically be assumed to suit an electric system, even though both are commonly described as HICAS.

Before ordering, identify which system is fitted to the vehicle and confirm the specific product application.

What Does a HICAS Lock Kit Do?

A HICAS lock kit prevents the rear-steer mechanism from changing the steering angle of the rear wheels. With the mechanism secured in its fixed position, the rear wheels no longer steer in response to the HICAS system.

The purpose is straightforward: remove active rear-wheel steering from the vehicle.

Depending on the design of the system and lockout solution, this can involve retaining and securing part of the existing rear-steering mechanism or replacing part of the mechanism with a fixed component.

Because different HICAS delete and lockout kits achieve this in different ways, check exactly how the relevant product operates before installation.

Why Do People Lock Out HICAS?

Drivers may choose to disable HICAS because of ageing components, unwanted movement within the system or a preference for a fixed rear-steering arrangement.

HICAS was designed to influence vehicle response through rear-wheel steering. That characteristic is part of the original system rather than inherently a fault. However, as components age, wear or hydraulic problems can affect how the system operates.

Reasons for considering a lockout can include:

• Wear or unwanted play in the rear-steering system
• Hydraulic leaks on applicable systems
• Ageing HICAS components
• A preference for conventional fixed rear steering
• A desire for more consistent rear-steering behaviour during performance driving
• Simplifying a vehicle where active rear steering is no longer wanted

A lock kit should not be treated as a universal cure for vague or unstable handling. Other suspension, steering, alignment and tyre problems can produce similar symptoms and should be inspected before deciding that HICAS is the cause.

Predictable Rear-Steering Behaviour

For performance and track-focused driving, some drivers prefer the rear wheels to remain at a fixed steering angle rather than having an active rear-steer system introduce additional movement.

Locking HICAS removes that active rear-steering input. This changes the way the vehicle responds, but it does not automatically make every vehicle faster or better handling.

Tyres, suspension setup, wheel alignment, bush condition, dampers and driver preference all influence the final result. Claims of improved lap times should therefore not be treated as a guaranteed outcome of installing a HICAS lockout.

Is a HICAS Lock Kit the Same as a Delete or Bypass Kit?

The terms HICAS lock kit, HICAS lockout kit, HICAS delete kit, bypass kit and elimination kit are often used to describe modifications that disable rear-wheel steering, but they do not necessarily describe identical hardware.

One design may secure part of the existing rear-steering mechanism, while another may replace components with a fixed assembly.

When comparing options, check:

• Which HICAS system the product is designed for
• What parts of the original system remain in place
• What components are removed or replaced
• Whether hydraulic-system changes are required
• Installation requirements
• Alignment requirements after fitting

Choose according to the actual design and vehicle application rather than relying on ?delete?, ?lockout? or ?bypass? terminology alone.

Hydraulic and Electric HICAS Compatibility

A HICAS lock kit must be compatible with the type of rear-steering system fitted to the vehicle. Hydraulic and electric HICAS are different systems and should not be treated as interchangeable for fitment purposes.

If a lock kit is specified for hydraulic HICAS, do not assume it will work with an electric HICAS system.

Before ordering, confirm:

• The HICAS system fitted to the vehicle
• Vehicle application and production details
• Whether the product is designed for hydraulic or electric HICAS
• Installation requirements
• Any additional work required to disable the original system correctly

If you cannot confidently identify the system, have it checked by a qualified technician before purchasing parts.

How Is a HICAS Lock Kit Fitted?

Installation involves disabling the rear-steering mechanism and securing or replacing the relevant components so the rear wheels remain in a fixed steering arrangement. The exact procedure depends on the HICAS system and the design of the lockout kit.

This is not a modification where one generic installation procedure applies to every vehicle.

What the Job Involves

Depending on the application, fitting can involve:

• Safely raising and supporting the vehicle
• Accessing the rear-steering mechanism
• Removing or securing relevant HICAS components
• Dealing with hydraulic connections on applicable systems
• Installing the lockout components
• Checking that the mechanism is correctly positioned
• Tightening fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications
• Checking rear-wheel alignment after installation

If hydraulic lines are disconnected, the system must be handled according to the correct workshop procedure. Do not open a pressurised hydraulic system without understanding how it must be safely depressurised.

Installation Safety

Never work underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use suitable lifting equipment and correctly positioned vehicle stands on a stable surface.

Steering modifications can directly affect vehicle control. Incorrect installation, improperly secured components or incorrect rear toe can create serious handling problems.

For this reason, HICAS lockout installation is best completed by a qualified technician familiar with steering and suspension systems.

Do You Need a Wheel Alignment After Fitting?

Yes. A wheel alignment should be carried out after a HICAS lock kit is installed because disabling or repositioning the rear-steering mechanism can affect rear toe.

The rear wheels need to be checked and adjusted to the appropriate specifications after the system is locked in position. Do not assume the wheels are correctly aligned simply because the lockout hardware has been installed.

An alignment also provides an opportunity to identify other steering or suspension issues that could affect the vehicle's behaviour.

Is Locking Out HICAS Legal?

Steering modifications can be subject to vehicle standards and registration requirements, and the rules can differ depending on where the vehicle is registered.

Before modifying a road-registered vehicle, check the requirements that apply where the vehicle is registered. Depending on the modification and jurisdiction, engineering approval or other compliance requirements may apply.

A qualified vehicle engineer, relevant road authority or appropriately licensed workshop can provide guidance for the specific vehicle and modification.

Product warranty terms can also vary, so check the applicable warranty information before purchase rather than assuming the same coverage applies to every component.

Shop HICAS Lock Kits with Whiteline

A HICAS lock kit or HICAS delete kit removes active rear-wheel steering to create a fixed rear-steering arrangement. Correct system identification is essential because hydraulic and electric HICAS require compatible components and installation procedures.

The Hicas lock kit sits in our steering parts range, and toe arms help dial in rear alignment once the system is locked out.

Check the individual product information and vehicle application before ordering, and have the installation and subsequent wheel alignment completed correctly for the vehicle. Every Whiteline component carries our warranty, a fitment guarantee and 30 day returns.