This procedure covers the removal and replacement of a front CV axle on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including disconnection from the wheel hub and transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front CV axle assembly (driver or passenger side as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut × 1 — 90305-T0A-A01 or equivalent
• Transmission fluid × 1 — Honda DW-1 ATF

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen the 32mm axle nut approximately 1 turn while vehicle is on the ground (do not remove completely)
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1 turn while vehicle is on the ground
4. Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at the front pinch weld locations
5. Remove wheel and tire assembly
6. Place drain pan under transmission to catch fluid spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the 32mm axle nut from the end of the CV axle. The nut should have been loosened while on the ground. If the nut was staked, use a punch to unstake it first. Discard the old nut as a new one must be installed.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the ball joint pinch bolt securing the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Use a 14mm socket to remove the bolt. Once removed, pry the ball joint stud out of the knuckle using a pry bar or by pulling the knuckle outward. You may need to tap the knuckle with a hammer to separate it.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Separate axle from wheel hub
   Push the axle shaft through the wheel hub. If the axle is stuck in the hub splines, use a brass hammer to tap it through from behind, or use a puller tool designed for this purpose. Support the outer end of the axle with wire or a bungee cord to prevent damage to the CV boot once separated.
   ⚠Do not allow the axle to hang by the inner CV joint as this can damage the joint or boots.
4. 4

   Remove axle from transmission
   For the inner CV joint connection to the transmission, use a large pry bar positioned between the transmission case and the inner CV joint housing. Pry firmly to pop the axle out of the transmission. You will feel a distinct release when the circlip disengages. Transmission fluid will begin draining at this point. Alternatively, if your axle uses an intermediate shaft with bolted flange, remove the three bolts securing the CV joint to the intermediate shaft flange.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage the transmission seal when prying out the axle.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove CV axle assembly
   Carefully maneuver the CV axle out from under the vehicle. The axle will need to be angled and rotated to clear the suspension components and subframe. Keep the drain pan positioned to catch any additional transmission fluid.
6. 6

   Inspect transmission seal and hub bearing
   Before installing the new axle, inspect the transmission differential seal for damage or leaking. Replace if necessary. Also inspect the wheel hub bearing for roughness or play. Clean any debris from the hub splines and transmission opening.
   ℹ️If the transmission seal shows wear, now is the ideal time to replace it before installing the new axle.
7. 7

   Install new CV axle into transmission
   Install the new CV axle by aligning the inner CV joint with the transmission opening and pushing firmly until you hear and feel the circlip snap into place. If your axle uses a bolted flange connection, align the flange and install the three bolts finger-tight. Give the axle a firm pull to verify it is fully seated and locked in place.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts58 Nm (43 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install axle through wheel hub
   Guide the outer end of the axle through the wheel hub, ensuring the splines align properly. Push the axle through until it is fully seated in the hub. You may need to rotate the hub slightly to align the splines.
9. 9

   Reconnect lower ball joint
   Lift the lower control arm and align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar to compress the suspension slightly. Install the ball joint pinch bolt and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Pinch Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install and torque axle nut
    Install the new 32mm axle nut onto the end of the axle shaft. Initially tighten it by hand as far as possible. Reinstall the wheel and tire, then lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground to prevent rotation. Apply the brakes or have an assistant hold the brakes, then torque the axle nut to specification using a torque wrench. After torquing, stake the nut by using a punch and hammer to drive part of the nut collar into the axle shaft groove.
    ⚠The axle nut must be torqued with the wheel on the ground and brakes applied. Do not attempt to torque while vehicle is fully raised.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut232 Nm (171 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Complete wheel installation
    Raise the vehicle completely and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Check and refill transmission fluid
    Check the transmission fluid level through the dipstick (if equipped) or fill hole. Add approximately 0.5 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF to replace what was lost during axle removal. Start the engine, shift through all gears, and recheck the fluid level with the engine at operating temperature.

Reassembly

1. Ensure the axle nut is properly staked to prevent loosening during operation
2. Verify all suspension components are properly reconnected and torqued
3. Double-check that no tools or parts were left under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle in a safe area and listen for clicking, popping, or grinding noises from the CV joint during turns
• Check for vibration during acceleration which could indicate improper installation or an unbalanced axle
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect under the vehicle for any transmission fluid leaks from the differential seal
• Verify the axle nut remains tight and properly staked after test drive

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