This procedure covers removal and installation of the front CV axle on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with 1.5L turbo engine, including disconnection from the wheel hub and transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly × 1 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket axle for side being replaced
• Axle nut × 1 — 90305-SDA-A01 or equivalent self-locking nut
• Ball joint castle nut × 1 — Replace if damaged or cotter pin type
• CV axle flange seals × 1 — Use OEM specification if replacing intermediate shaft side

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Remove center hub cap or pry out axle nut dust cover to access axle nut
4. With vehicle still on ground and brakes applied, use breaker bar to loosen (do not remove) the 32mm axle nut
5. Lift front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
7. Place drain pan under work area to catch any transmission fluid spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With the vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the 32mm axle nut from the axle shaft. If the nut is staked, use a chisel or punch to unstake before removal. Discard the old nut as a new one must be installed.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin (if equipped) and loosen the ball joint castle nut. Remove the nut completely. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. If using a pinch bolt design instead, remove the pinch bolt securing the ball joint to the knuckle.
3. 3

   Support lower control arm
   Use a wire, bungee cord, or support the lower control arm to prevent it from dropping and damaging the ball joint boot or CV joint once the axle is removed.
4. 4

   Separate axle from wheel hub
   Push the axle shaft inward through the wheel hub. If the axle is stuck in the hub splines, tap the end with a brass drift or use a proper hub puller. Do not strike the threads directly. The outer CV joint should now be free from the hub assembly.
5. 5

   Remove inner CV joint from transmission
   For the passenger side: Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and transmission case. Pry firmly to disengage the circlip holding the axle in the differential. Pull the axle straight out. For the driver side: Remove the two bolts securing the CV axle flange to the intermediate shaft flange, then separate the axle.
   ⚠Do not pry against the transmission case excessively to avoid damage. Pry against the CV joint housing.
6. 6

   Remove CV axle from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the CV axle assembly out from the wheel well, being careful not to damage the CV boots on suspension components or frame. Support both ends of the axle during removal to prevent over-extending the joints.
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare for installation
   Inspect the hub bore and transmission seal for damage. Clean the hub splines and transmission opening. Verify the new CV axle matches the old unit in length and spline count. Ensure the new axle has a fresh circlip installed on the inner joint (passenger side) or clean bolt holes on flange (driver side).
8. 8

   Install new CV axle inner joint
   For passenger side: Align the axle with the differential opening and push firmly until the circlip seats with an audible click. Tug on the axle to verify it is locked in place. For driver side: Align the CV axle flange with the intermediate shaft flange and install the two bolts hand-tight.
9. 9

   Install axle into wheel hub
   Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub. Push the axle through until the splines are fully engaged. Install the new 32mm axle nut hand-tight. Do not torque at this time.
10. 10

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Position the lower control arm ball joint into the steering knuckle. Install the castle nut or pinch bolt. Torque the ball joint nut to specification. If using a castle nut, install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut97 Nm (71 lb-ft)

    Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque CV axle flange bolts (driver side only)
    If working on the driver side axle with flange connection, torque the two CV bolts securing the axle to the intermediate shaft to specification in a criss-cross pattern.
    Torque spec

    CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but vehicle weight is still on the jack stands. This prevents wheel rotation for the next step.
13. 13

    Torque axle nut
    With the wheel prevented from rotating, use a torque wrench to tighten the 32mm axle nut to 232 Nm (171 lb-ft). After torquing, use a punch and hammer to stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove to prevent loosening. This is a critical safety step.
    ⚠️The axle nut must be properly torqued and staked. Failure to do so can result in axle separation and loss of vehicle control.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final torque and lower vehicle
    Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle to the ground. Perform a final torque check on all lug nuts with the vehicle on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install dust cover or hub cap over the axle nut
2. Check transmission fluid level if passenger side axle was replaced and fluid was lost
3. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and verify no clicking, popping, or vibration from the CV axle
• Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while driving slowly to verify CV joint operation
• Inspect for any transmission fluid leaks around the inner CV joint area
• Re-check axle nut torque and staking after 50-100 miles of driving
• Verify no unusual tire wear or pulling during driving

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