Axle Seal - Front

Replace the front axle seal on the transmission to stop differential fluid leaks where the CV axle enters the transmission case.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front axle seal (transmission side) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Axle nut × 1 — 90305-TBA-A01 or equivalent
• Cotter pin or lock tab × 1 — Verify vehicle configuration
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen axle nut while vehicle is on ground (nut is very tight, requires significant force)
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at designated lift points
4. Remove front wheel on the side being serviced
5. Place drain pan under transmission to catch fluid
6. Clean area around axle seal and CV joint to prevent contamination

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and separate from hub
   With wheel removed and vehicle supported, remove the previously loosened 32mm or 36mm axle nut completely. Remove cotter pin or unstake the lock tab first if present. Keep the old nut for reference but discard it - a new nut must be installed.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt or castle nut (depending on suspension design). Use a ball joint separator to disconnect the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. This provides clearance to remove the axle from the hub.
3. 3

   Remove axle from wheel hub
   Pull the steering knuckle outward and push the axle shaft out of the hub bearing. If the axle is stuck, use a brass drift or plastic mallet to tap it through. Do not strike the CV joint directly. Support the axle to prevent it from hanging on the outer CV joint.
4. 4

   Remove inner CV joint from transmission
   Position drain pan directly under the inner CV joint. Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and transmission case. Pry the axle shaft out with a firm, controlled motion - the circlip will release. Expect transmission fluid to drain immediately. Remove the axle completely from the vehicle.
   ⚠Do not pry against the seal itself or you will damage the transmission case sealing surface.
5. 5

   Remove old axle seal
   Using a seal puller or pick tool, carefully extract the old seal from the transmission case. Work around the perimeter to avoid gouging the aluminum case bore. Remove any old seal material or debris from the bore. Clean the sealing surface thoroughly with a shop rag and degreaser.
6. 6

   Inspect seal bore and axle
   Inspect the transmission seal bore for any scoring, grooves, or damage. Check the axle shaft seal surface for wear grooves or damage. Minor surface rust can be cleaned with fine emery cloth, but deep grooves require axle replacement. Verify the new seal matches the old seal dimensions.
7. 7

   Install new axle seal
   Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with clean transmission fluid. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the spring side facing inward (toward the transmission fluid). Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, drive the seal in evenly until it seats flush with the transmission case. Do not strike the seal face directly.
   ⚠Seal must be installed straight and square to prevent immediate leaking. Tap evenly around the perimeter.
8. 8

   Reinstall axle into transmission
   Apply a thin coat of clean Honda DW-1 ATF to the axle seal surface and splines. Align the inner CV joint splines with the differential side gears. Push the axle shaft firmly into the transmission until you feel and hear the circlip snap into place. Tug outward on the axle to verify it is fully seated and locked.
9. 9

   Reinstall axle into wheel hub
   Guide the outer end of the axle through the hub bearing. Pull the knuckle outward as needed to align the splines. Push the axle fully through the hub until the threads extend past the outer face.
10. 10

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Position the lower ball joint back into the steering knuckle. Install the pinch bolt or castle nut and torque to specification per the vehicle service manual. If a castle nut is used, install a new cotter pin.
11. 11

    Install new axle nut
    Thread the new axle nut onto the axle shaft by hand to prevent cross-threading. Do not fully torque yet - this will be done with the wheel installed and vehicle on the ground.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (still supported by jack). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Lower vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque axle nut and lock
    With vehicle on ground and someone applying brakes, torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Stake the nut collar into the axle groove or install a new cotter pin as applicable to your specific axle design. Verify the locking device is properly installed.
    ⚠This is a critical safety fastener. Proper torque and locking are essential to prevent wheel separation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill transmission fluid
    Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick or fill plug (depending on model year). Add Honda DW-1 ATF as needed to bring level to the proper range. Typically 1-2 quarts will be needed to replace what was lost. Do not overfill.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification, particularly the axle nut and wheel lug nuts
2. Verify the axle nut locking device (cotter pin or stake) is properly installed
3. Clean any spilled transmission fluid from suspension components and chassis

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all transmission gears while stationary to circulate fluid
• Recheck transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature
• Inspect the axle seal area for any signs of leaking - fluid may seep if seal was not installed correctly
• Test drive the vehicle and verify no clicking, vibration, or unusual noises from the CV axle
• After 50-100 miles, recheck transmission fluid level and inspect seal area again for any delayed leaks

More procedures for this vehicle