This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the front steering knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including disconnection of brake, wheel bearing, and suspension components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front steering knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hub retaining nut (axle nut) × 1 — 90305-SDA-A01 or equivalent
• Ball joint castle nut with cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake caliper bracket mounting bolts (if reusing) × 2 — Use OEM or thread-locking compound

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen (but do not remove) the 32mm axle nut while vehicle is on ground with brakes applied
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Remove front wheel completely
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes if vehicle is exposed to road salt

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two brake caliper bracket mounting bolts from the rear of the knuckle using a 17mm socket. Remove the caliper and bracket as an assembly. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose - do not disconnect the brake line. Remove the brake rotor by pulling it off the hub. If stuck, use penetrating oil and light tapping with a hammer.
2. 2

   Remove wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor mounted on the back of the knuckle. Remove the single mounting bolt (typically 10mm) and carefully pull the sensor out of the knuckle bore. Be gentle as the sensor tip is fragile. Secure the sensor out of the way with wire or set aside.
3. 3

   Remove axle nut and separate axle from hub
   Fully remove the previously loosened 32mm axle nut. Remove and discard the nut as it is single-use. Push the axle shaft back through the hub bearing using hand pressure or light tapping with a plastic mallet on the end of the shaft. The axle should push back into the transmission side. If stuck, you may need a hub puller, but typically hand pressure is sufficient on this model.
4. 4

   Disconnect sway bar end link
   Locate the sway bar end link connecting to the lower control arm or knuckle. Hold the internal shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the nut using a 14mm or 17mm socket (verify size on your specific vehicle). Separate the end link from the knuckle or control arm.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut. Remove the castle nut completely using a 19mm socket. Use a ball joint separator tool (pickle fork or pulley-type separator) to separate the ball joint stud from the knuckle. Insert the separator between the lower control arm and knuckle, and apply pressure until the taper releases. Expect a sudden pop when it separates.
   ⚠Ball joint will separate suddenly when taper releases. Keep hands clear of pinch points.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove strut-to-knuckle pinch bolts
   Locate the two through-bolts connecting the strut to the knuckle on the front side. These are large 17mm or 18mm bolts with nuts on the back. Support the knuckle with one hand or a floor jack. Remove both bolts completely. Note that the top bolt may have a pinch clamp feature - you may need to spread the knuckle slightly with a pry bar to remove.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect tie rod end from knuckle
   Locate the tie rod end connection on the rear side of the knuckle. Remove the castle nut (typically 19mm) after removing the cotter pin. Use a tie rod end puller or ball joint separator to separate the tie rod end taper from the knuckle. Do not hammer directly on the tie rod end as this can damage the threads and internal components.
8. 8

   Remove knuckle assembly
   With all connections disconnected, maneuver the knuckle assembly off the axle shaft (pull forward) and away from the strut. You may need to rotate and angle the knuckle to clear the axle splines and strut bracket. Remove the knuckle from the vehicle. Inspect the hub bearing for roughness or play - if replacing the knuckle, you may need to press out the old bearing and press in a new one, or purchase a complete assembly.
   ℹ️If the knuckle will not clear the axle, verify the axle is fully pushed back into the transmission and the hub nut is completely removed.
9. 9

   Prepare new knuckle
   If the new knuckle does not include the wheel bearing/hub assembly, you will need to transfer the bearing from the old knuckle or install a new bearing. This requires a hydraulic press and bearing installation tools. Ensure the hub bearing is properly seated and the retaining snap ring is installed. Clean all mounting surfaces on the new knuckle with brake cleaner.
10. 10

    Install new knuckle to strut
    Position the new knuckle onto the strut bracket, aligning the pinch bolt holes. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts from the front, install the nuts on the back, and hand-tighten only. Do not torque at this time. Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut bracket.
11. 11

    Connect tie rod end
    Insert the tie rod end stud into the knuckle bore. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification (typically 40-55 Nm, verify in service manual). Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
12. 12

    Connect lower ball joint
    Position the knuckle so the lower ball joint stud aligns with the hole in the bottom of the knuckle. Insert the stud through the knuckle and install the new castle nut. Torque the nut to 84.0 Nm (62 lb-ft). Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole - if not aligned, tighten further (never loosen) until aligned. Install new cotter pin and bend ends to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Torque strut bolts and install axle
    Torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to 109.0 Nm (81 lb-ft). Pull the axle shaft outward and insert through the hub bearing, ensuring the splines engage properly. Thread the new 32mm axle nut onto the shaft by hand and snug with a socket, but do not torque yet (final torque is done with vehicle on ground).
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect sway bar link and sensor
    Connect the sway bar end link to the knuckle or control arm. Hold the internal shaft with an Allen key and torque the nut to 55.0 Nm (41 lb-ft). Insert the wheel speed sensor into the knuckle bore, ensuring it is fully seated. Install the mounting bolt and torque to 26.0 Nm (19 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Slide the brake rotor onto the hub. Position the brake caliper and bracket assembly over the rotor and align with the knuckle mounting holes. Install the two caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification per service manual (typically 80-110 Nm). Clean any grease or oil from the rotor surface with brake cleaner.
16. 16

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (vehicle still supported by jack). Torque lug nuts to 129.0 Nm (95 lb-ft) in a star pattern. With the vehicle still partially supported and brakes applied, torque the axle nut to 242 Nm (181 lb-ft) using a breaker bar or torque wrench. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reassembly is covered in the procedure steps above
2. Ensure all cotter pins are properly installed and bent on castle nuts
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area
4. All critical fasteners (strut bolts, ball joint, axle nut, lug nuts) must be torqued to specification

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• Verify the steering wheel is centered and the vehicle tracks straight
• Check for any brake pulsation or noise during light braking
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to 129.0 Nm (95 lb-ft)
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as suspension component replacement affects alignment settings
• Inspect all fasteners visually to ensure they remain tight and cotter pins are in place

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