Transmission Input Shaft Bearing

Replace the transmission input shaft bearing by removing the transmission from the vehicle, disassembling the transmission case, and installing a new input shaft bearing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission input shaft bearing × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission case gasket kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Input shaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Torque converter seals × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shift cable bushings (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for SRS system discharge
3. Raise vehicle on lift to comfortable working height
4. Remove engine splash shield and undercovers
5. Install engine support fixture across engine bay, attaching to engine lift points
6. Remove front wheels and set aside
7. Place drain pan under transmission and remove drain plug to drain transmission fluid completely
8. Allow transmission to drain for at least 15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove transmission cooler lines and electrical connections
   Disconnect transmission cooler lines at the transmission using a flare nut wrench to prevent damage. Cap all openings immediately to prevent contamination. Disconnect transmission range sensor connector, shift solenoid harness, vehicle speed sensor, and countershaft speed sensor. Label all connectors for reassembly.
2. 2

   Disconnect shift cable and remove starter
   Remove shift cable clip and disconnect shift cable from selector lever on transmission. Remove shift cable bracket mounting bolts. Remove starter motor mounting bolts and position starter aside without disconnecting battery cable. Support starter with mechanic's wire.
3. 3

   Support and remove driveshafts
   Remove front wheel hub nuts (previously loosened). Separate lower ball joints from control arms. Remove stabilizer bar end links. Carefully pry driveshafts from transmission using appropriate seal protector tool to prevent damage to differential seals. Support driveshafts and secure them to chassis with wire to prevent CV joint damage.
   ⚠Do not pull on driveshafts; use proper removal tools to prevent damage to inner CV joints and differential side gears.
4. 4

   Remove subframe and crossmember
   Support rear of subframe with transmission jack. Remove rear engine mount bolts. Remove subframe mounting bolts in sequence from rear to front. Lower subframe carefully, ensuring all connections are clear. This provides access to lower transmission mounting bolts and bellhousing.
5. 5

   Remove transmission mounting bolts and lower transmission
   Position transmission jack under transmission oil pan with wooden block for support. Remove upper transmission mounting bolts accessible from engine bay. Remove lower bellhousing bolts. Verify engine is properly supported. Carefully separate transmission from engine, ensuring torque converter remains with transmission. Lower transmission slowly on jack.
   ⚠️Ensure torque converter is secured to transmission with safety wire or converter holder before lowering transmission.
6. 6

   Remove transmission pan and filter
   With transmission on sturdy workbench, remove transmission pan bolts in criss-cross pattern. Remove pan and gasket. Remove transmission filter assembly. Clean pan thoroughly and inspect for metal debris or clutch material indicating additional damage.
   Torque spec

   Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove valve body assembly
   Carefully disconnect internal wiring harness from valve body. Remove valve body mounting bolts in proper sequence (consult service manual for specific pattern). Carefully lower valve body assembly, keeping all components together. Place on clean work surface. Note position of all check balls and springs.
   ⚠Valve body contains multiple check balls and springs. Keep track of all components and their positions.
8. 8

   Split transmission case
   Remove all case bolts following proper sequence from service manual. Use plastic mallet to gently tap case halves at designated separation points. Carefully separate case halves, noting position of all shafts and components. Support both halves on clean padded surfaces.
   ⚠Never pry between case sealing surfaces. Use only designated pry points to prevent case warping.
9. 9

   Remove input shaft assembly
   Carefully lift input shaft assembly from case. Place on clean work surface. Inspect shaft for wear, scoring, or discoloration. Measure shaft runout using dial indicator; runout should not exceed 0.05mm. If shaft is damaged, replacement is required along with bearing.
10. 10

    Remove and replace input shaft bearing
    Using bearing puller, carefully remove old bearing from input shaft or case (depending on bearing location in this CVT design). Inspect bearing bore for damage or wear. Clean bearing bore thoroughly with lint-free cloth and solvent. Install new bearing using hydraulic press or proper bearing driver, ensuring bearing is pressed squarely to proper depth. Verify bearing rotates smoothly without binding.
    ⚠Apply pressure only to outer race when installing bearing. Never press on inner race or bearing cage as this will damage the bearing.
11. 11

    Measure endplay and preload
    Install input shaft assembly with new bearing into case temporarily. Measure input shaft endplay using dial indicator; specification should be 0.05-0.25mm. Check bearing preload by rotating shaft; it should turn smoothly with slight resistance. If measurements are out of specification, verify bearing installation depth and shaft condition.
12. 12

    Reassemble transmission case
    Apply thin bead of Honda Bond HT or equivalent RTV to case mating surface following pattern in service manual. Install all shafts, gears, and components in proper positions. Carefully align case halves and install all case bolts finger-tight. Torque case bolts in proper sequence to specified value. Allow RTV to cure for 30 minutes before proceeding.
13. 13

    Install valve body and transmission pan
    Install valve body assembly in reverse order of removal, ensuring all check balls and springs are in correct positions. Torque valve body bolts to specification in proper sequence. Install new transmission filter. Install new pan gasket and pan, torquing bolts in criss-cross pattern.
    ℹ️Some Honda transmissions require specific valve body bolt torque sequence; consult service manual for exact pattern.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall transmission to vehicle
    Position transmission on jack and raise into position. Align torque converter with flexplate, ensuring converter is fully seated (measure depth to verify). Install bellhousing bolts and torque to specification. Install transmission mounts and support brackets. Reinstall subframe and torque all mounting bolts to specification.
    ⚠Verify torque converter is fully seated before installing bellhousing bolts. Converter should be recessed approximately 19mm from bellhousing face.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect driveshafts and complete assembly
    Install new circlips on driveshaft inner CV joints. Carefully insert driveshafts into transmission, ensuring circlips engage fully with snap ring groove. Reconnect lower ball joints, stabilizer links, and install wheel hub nuts. Reinstall starter motor. Reconnect all electrical connectors and shift cable. Connect transmission cooler lines with new O-rings.
16. 16

    Fill transmission with fluid
    Install drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification. Using transmission fluid pump, add approximately 3 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF through fill hole. Start engine and allow to idle. Shift through all gear ranges with foot on brake. Add remaining fluid while checking level at operating temperature per Honda procedure (approximately 5 additional quarts).
    ⚠Overfilling transmission can cause foaming and damage. Check fluid level with transmission at operating temperature (160-180°F) on level surface.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Drain Plug30 Nm (22 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in proper sequence
2. Use new gaskets, seals, and O-rings throughout reassembly
3. Apply appropriate sealant only where specified in service manual
4. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
5. Double-check driveshaft engagement before test driving
6. Reinstall splash shields and undercovers
7. Install wheels and torque lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) in star pattern

Verification

• Check for fluid leaks around pan, cooler lines, driveshaft seals, and case mating surfaces with engine running
• Verify transmission shifts smoothly through all ranges (P, R, N, D, S, L)
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal operation with no unusual noises or vibrations
• Monitor transmission temperature; should reach 160-180°F during normal operation
• Recheck fluid level after test drive at operating temperature and top off if necessary
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes using Honda HDS or equivalent scan tool
• Verify no metal debris in drained fluid during next service interval (500 miles recommended)

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