This procedure covers removal and replacement of the front differential assembly on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, which is integrated into the transmission housing as part of the transaxle assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front differential assembly (if replacement required) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug washer × 1 — 94109-20000
• Axle shaft circlips × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Differential mounting bolts × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Honda Bond HT or equivalent

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen both front axle nuts using 32mm socket and breaker bar while vehicle is on ground and assistant applies brakes
3. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer lift points
4. Remove both front wheels
5. Place drain pan under transmission
6. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
7. Remove engine under cover panels

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Locate the transmission drain plug on the bottom of the transmission case. Clean area around drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow all fluid to drain completely into drain pan (approximately 8 quarts). Remove and discard drain plug washer. Once drained, reinstall drain plug with new washer and torque to specification.
2. 2

   Remove front axle shafts
   Remove the completely loosened axle nuts from both sides. On each side, remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt and separate the lower control arm from the knuckle using ball joint separator. Pull the knuckle outward and carefully withdraw the axle shaft from the wheel hub. Support the axle shaft to prevent damage to the CV joint boot.
   Torque spec

   Axle Nut232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect axle shafts from differential
   Using a pry bar positioned against the transmission case (not the differential cover), carefully pry each axle shaft inboard CV joint from the differential. Pull straight out to disengage the circlip. Cap or cover the differential openings with clean shop rags to prevent contamination. Inspect and retain the circlips from each axle shaft.
4. 4

   Support transmission assembly
   Position transmission jack under the transmission oil pan with a block of wood to distribute load. Raise jack until it just contacts the transmission - do not lift the vehicle. Ensure transmission is stable and properly supported.
5. 5

   Remove differential mounting bolts
   Locate the differential mounting bolts that secure the differential assembly to the transmission case. There are typically 4 mounting bolts. Remove these bolts in a crisscross pattern to prevent warping. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove differential cover
   Remove the differential cover screws in a crisscross pattern. Carefully separate the cover from the transmission housing using a plastic scraper or trim tool - do not use metal tools that could damage sealing surfaces. Remove and discard old gasket material. Clean both sealing surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and allow to dry.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect differential components
   With cover removed, visually inspect differential ring gear, pinion gear, side gears, and bearings for wear, scoring, or damage. Check for metal debris in the housing. Inspect differential spider gears and thrust washers. If replacing internal components, carefully remove and note orientation of all parts. Take photos for reassembly reference.
8. 8

   Clean and prepare for reassembly
   Thoroughly clean the differential housing interior using brake cleaner and lint-free rags. Remove all old gasket material from cover and housing mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Inspect housing for cracks or damage. Wire brush all bolt holes and clean threads.
9. 9

   Install differential components and cover
   If components were replaced, install them in reverse order noting proper orientation. Apply thin continuous bead of Honda Bond HT RTV sealant to differential cover mating surface (or use new gasket if applicable). Install cover and hand-thread all cover screws. Torque cover screws in crisscross pattern to specification.
   ℹ️If using RTV sealant, wait minimum 30 minutes before filling with fluid to allow proper cure.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall differential mounting bolts
    Install the 4 differential mounting bolts and torque in crisscross pattern to specification. Ensure differential assembly is properly seated against transmission housing before final torque.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall axle shafts to differential
    Install new circlips on the inner CV joint splines of both axle shafts. Ensure circlips are properly seated in their grooves. Carefully insert each axle shaft into the differential side gear, pushing firmly until circlip engages with a positive click. Verify engagement by attempting to pull axle shaft back out - it should be locked in place.
12. 12

    Reinstall axle shafts to wheel hubs
    Guide each axle shaft through the wheel hub, being careful not to damage CV boot or ABS sensor. Install new axle nuts and thread by hand. Do not torque at this time. Reconnect lower ball joints to steering knuckles and install pinch bolts.
13. 13

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the side of the transmission case. Remove fill plug. Using Honda-approved transmission fluid pump, fill transmission with Honda DW-1 ATF until fluid begins to drip from fill hole. Install fill plug. Total capacity is approximately 8 quarts but verify level at fill hole.
14. 14

    Final torque and wheel installation
    Reinstall wheels and hand-thread lug nuts. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch ground but suspension is not loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts in star pattern to specification. Lower vehicle completely to ground. With assistant applying brakes firmly, torque both axle nuts to specification using torque wrench. Stake axle nuts using punch if equipped with staking collar.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

    Axle Nut232 Nm (171 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under covers and any removed splash shields
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal
3. Double-check all fasteners are torqued to specification
4. Verify no tools or parts remain in engine bay
5. Check transmission fluid level on level ground with engine at operating temperature per Honda procedure

Verification

• Start engine and verify no leaks from differential cover or drain plug
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and verify proper level at fill hole
• Test drive vehicle at low speed (under 20 mph) in parking lot and verify smooth operation with no abnormal noises
• Perform figure-8 turns in both directions to verify differential operation under load
• Road test vehicle through all gears and verify smooth shifting and no vibration from axle shafts
• After test drive, recheck all fluid levels and inspect for leaks
• Verify no ABS warning lights are illuminated on dash

More procedures for this vehicle