Axle Seal - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear axle seal on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbo engine, requiring removal of the rear axle shaft to access and replace the differential seal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear axle seal (differential side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New axle nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Honda DW-1 ATF × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake firmly
2. Chock front wheels securely
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Loosen the 32mm rear axle nut while vehicle is on ground (do not remove completely)
5. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer designated points
6. Remove rear wheel on the side requiring seal replacement
7. Place drain pan under rear differential

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain differential fluid
   Locate the differential drain plug on the bottom of the rear differential housing. Clean area around drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or contamination. Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.
2. 2

   Remove rear axle nut
   Fully remove the previously loosened 32mm axle nut from the rear axle shaft. If nut is staked, use a punch to carefully un-stake before removal. Discard the old axle nut as a new one must be installed. Remove the washer behind the nut if present.
3. 3

   Disconnect rear axle shaft from hub
   Using a soft-faced mallet, tap the end of the axle shaft to break it free from the hub bearing. If necessary, use a slide hammer attached to the axle shaft threads to pull the shaft out of the hub bearing. The axle shaft should slide out of the hub assembly once freed.
4. 4

   Support rear axle shaft
   Support the outer end of the axle shaft to prevent damage to the CV joint. Do not allow the axle shaft to hang unsupported as this can damage the CV joint internals and boots.
5. 5

   Remove axle shaft from differential
   Using a pry bar positioned against the differential housing, carefully pry the inner CV joint out of the differential. Apply steady, firm pressure. The axle shaft will pop out once the internal circlip disengages. Be prepared for residual fluid to drain. Remove the axle shaft completely and set aside on a clean surface.
   ⚠Do not pry against the CV joint boot or you will tear it. Only pry against the metal housing.
6. 6

   Remove old axle seal
   Using a seal puller or seal removal tool, carefully extract the old axle seal from the differential housing. Hook the tool behind the seal lip and pull straight out. If the seal is difficult to remove, use a pick to carefully work around the perimeter. Avoid damaging the seal bore in the differential housing.
7. 7

   Clean seal bore and inspect
   Thoroughly clean the seal bore in the differential housing using a wire brush and shop rags. Remove all old seal residue, debris, and corrosion. Inspect the bore for scoring, pitting, or damage. Minor imperfections can be smoothed with fine emery cloth. Inspect the axle shaft seal surface for wear grooves or damage - replace axle shaft if seal surface is damaged.
8. 8

   Install new axle seal
   Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with clean Honda DW-1 ATF. Ensure the seal is oriented correctly with the spring-loaded lip facing inward toward the differential. Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, tap the seal squarely into the bore until it is fully seated and flush with the housing. Drive evenly to prevent cocking the seal.
   ⚠Do not drive on the seal face or you will damage it. Only apply pressure to the outer metal rim.
9. 9

   Prepare axle shaft for installation
   Inspect the axle shaft splines and seal contact surface. Clean thoroughly. Lightly coat the seal contact area of the axle shaft with clean Honda DW-1 ATF. Ensure the circlip on the inner CV joint is properly seated in its groove and not damaged.
10. 10

    Install axle shaft into differential
    Carefully align the inner CV joint with the differential opening. Push the axle shaft straight in with firm, steady pressure until you feel and hear the circlip click into place inside the differential. Verify the axle is seated by attempting to pull it back out - it should not move more than a few millimeters.
11. 11

    Install axle shaft into hub
    Guide the outer end of the axle shaft into the rear hub bearing. Push the shaft through until the splines fully engage. Install the axle washer (if equipped) and thread on the new 32mm axle nut by hand. Do not torque at this time.
12. 12

    Refill differential
    Install new crush washer on drain plug and reinstall drain plug hand-tight, then torque to specification if provided (or 40-45 Nm typical for differential drain plugs). Locate the differential fill plug on the side of the housing. Remove fill plug. Using a fluid pump, fill the differential with Honda DW-1 ATF until fluid begins to drip from the fill hole. Reinstall fill plug and tighten securely.
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque axle nut and stake
    With vehicle on ground and parking brake applied, torque the rear axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Using a punch and hammer, stake the axle nut by driving the collar of the nut into the axle shaft groove. The stake should prevent the nut from loosening. Verify the stake is secure.
    ℹ️Some models use a cotter pin instead of staking. Install new cotter pin if applicable and bend ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin installed
3. Double-check differential fluid level at fill plug
4. Wipe down all surfaces to check for leaks

Verification

• Start engine and move shifter through all gears to circulate differential fluid
• Test drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes, making several turns in both directions
• Re-check differential fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Inspect seal area for any signs of leakage immediately after test drive and again after 24 hours
• Verify no unusual noises from rear differential or CV joints during operation
• Check that axle nut stake or cotter pin is still secure after test drive

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