Replace the inner CV boot on the drive axle to prevent grease loss and contamination, protecting the CV joint from premature failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New axle nut × 1 — 90305-TBA-A01 or equivalent
• New cotter pin or staking nut × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Break loose the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground (requires significant force)
4. Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer jacking points
5. Remove wheel completely
6. Place drain pan under transmission side of axle to catch ATF spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and wheel hardware
   Remove the 32mm axle nut completely and discard (it must be replaced). Remove any brake caliper bracket if it interferes with axle removal on your specific side.
2. 2

   Separate axle from wheel hub
   Push the axle shaft inward through the hub assembly. If the axle is stuck in the hub splines, use a plastic mallet to tap it through. Do not strike the threads. The outer end should push through freely once the nut is removed.
3. 3

   Remove inner CV joint from transmission
   Using a pry bar positioned against the transmission case and the inner CV joint housing, carefully pry the axle assembly out of the transmission. You will feel resistance from the circlip, then it will pop free. Pull the entire axle assembly away from the vehicle. ATF will drain from the transmission seal.
   ⚠Pry only against the CV joint housing, not the axle shaft itself, to avoid bending the shaft.
4. 4

   Remove outer CV boot clamps
   If your boot kit requires complete axle disassembly, cut and remove both the large and small clamps on the outer CV boot using side cutters. If the boot kit allows inner-only service, skip this step. For this procedure, we assume inner-only service where the outer joint remains assembled.
5. 5

   Remove inner CV boot clamps and boot
   Cut and remove both clamps securing the inner CV boot (one on the axle shaft, one on the CV joint housing). Slide the old boot toward the outer end of the axle shaft. Wipe away old grease from the inner CV joint housing, tripod bearing, and axle shaft using clean rags.
6. 6

   Inspect inner CV joint components
   With the boot removed, carefully inspect the tripod bearing and inner CV joint housing for wear, pitting, scoring, or contamination. Check the axle shaft for straightness. If damage is present, the entire axle assembly should be replaced rather than just the boot.
7. 7

   Clean CV joint components
   Thoroughly clean the tripod bearing, CV joint housing, and axle shaft splines with solvent and rags. Remove all old grease. Use a wire brush if necessary to clean stubborn deposits. Dry completely before proceeding.
8. 8

   Install new inner CV boot
   Slide the new inner CV boot onto the axle shaft with the small end toward the transmission side. Position the small clamp on the axle shaft groove but do not tighten yet. Ensure the boot is not twisted.
9. 9

   Pack CV joint with grease and position boot
   Pack the inner CV joint housing and tripod bearing with the grease supplied in the boot kit, distributing it evenly. Slide the boot over the CV joint housing and position it in the large groove. Ensure the boot is properly seated in both grooves without twisting.
10. 10

    Install boot clamps
    Using boot clamp pliers or the appropriate tool, secure both the small and large clamps on the inner CV boot. Ensure clamps are tight and properly seated. The boot should have slight flexibility but no excess air pockets.
11. 11

    Reinstall axle into transmission
    Align the inner CV joint with the transmission opening. Push the axle shaft firmly into the transmission until you feel and hear the circlip snap into place. Give the axle a firm tug outward to verify it is fully seated and locked by the circlip.
    ⚠Ensure the circlip on the inner CV joint is properly installed and not damaged, or the axle may disengage during operation.
12. 12

    Install axle through wheel hub
    Guide the outer end of the axle shaft through the wheel hub assembly, ensuring proper spline engagement. Push it through until it is fully seated and flush.
13. 13

    Install new axle nut
    Thread the new 32mm axle nut onto the axle shaft by hand. Do not fully torque yet. Install the wheel and lug nuts finger tight.
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and torque fasteners
    Lower the vehicle so the wheel contacts the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. With the wheel on the ground and brakes applied (or vehicle in Park), torque the axle nut to specification. Stake the nut or install a new cotter pin per manufacturer design.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Check and refill transmission fluid
    Check the transmission fluid level using the dipstick or fill plug (depending on transmission variant). Add Honda DW-1 ATF as needed to restore proper level. Approximately 0.5 quarts may be required to replace what was lost during axle removal.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed to prevent loosening
3. Verify transmission fluid is at proper level on dipstick after refilling
4. Double-check that wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all gears to verify proper axle engagement
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the CV joint area
• Turn the steering wheel fully in both directions while moving slowly to load the CV joints and verify smooth operation
• Inspect the inner CV boot for proper seating and no grease leakage after test drive
• Re-check transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify no ATF leaks from the transmission seal where the axle enters

More procedures for this vehicle