This procedure covers the replacement of the front axle seal on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, requiring removal of the CV axle and seal extraction from the transmission housing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front axle seal (driver or passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Axle nut (new) × 1 — 90305-TF0-013 or equivalent
• New cotter pin or staking washer × 1 — Depends on axle nut type

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front axle nut while vehicle is still on ground (do not remove completely)
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at designated lift points
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Place drain pan under transmission area to catch fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and wheel components
   With wheel removed, completely remove the 36mm axle nut that was previously loosened. Remove the cotter pin or unstake the nut as applicable. Keep all hardware organized.
2. 2

   Separate lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt (17mm). Use a ball joint separator or carefully use a pickle fork to separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot.
3. 3

   Release CV axle from wheel hub
   Push the axle shaft inward through the wheel hub assembly. If stuck, use a soft mallet to tap on the threaded end while supporting the outer CV joint. The axle should push free from the hub splines.
   ⚠Support the outer CV joint to prevent stress on the inner joint and boot during this operation.
4. 4

   Remove CV axle from transmission
   Using a pry bar positioned against the transmission case, carefully pry the inner CV joint outward to disengage the circlip from the differential side gears. Pull the entire axle assembly out. Transmission fluid will drain at this point. Plug the transmission opening with a clean rag to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination.
   ⚠Pry only against solid transmission case areas, not the seal surface. Have drain pan positioned to catch fluid.
5. 5

   Remove old axle seal
   Clean the area around the axle seal. Using a seal puller hook or small pry bar, carefully extract the old seal from the transmission housing. Work around the seal perimeter evenly to avoid damaging the bore. Inspect the seal bore for damage, burrs, or scoring.
   ⚠Do not gouge or scratch the seal bore surface as this will cause the new seal to leak.
6. 6

   Prepare and install new seal
   Clean the seal bore thoroughly with a clean rag and remove any old seal residue. Lightly coat the outer diameter of the new seal with clean ATF. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the spring side facing inward (toward transmission). Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, tap evenly around the perimeter until the seal is fully seated and flush with the transmission case.
   ⚠Ensure seal is installed straight and not cocked. Driving on the seal face will damage it.
7. 7

   Reinstall CV axle into transmission
   Remove the rag from the transmission opening. Inspect the axle circlip on the inner CV joint and replace if damaged. Lightly lubricate the seal lip with clean ATF. Align the axle splines with the differential side gear and push firmly until you hear/feel the circlip engage. Give the axle a firm pull outward to verify the circlip is properly seated.
8. 8

   Reinstall axle through hub and reconnect suspension
   Guide the outer CV axle shaft through the wheel hub assembly, ensuring splines align properly. Reconnect the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and install the pinch bolt finger-tight. Ensure the ball joint stud is properly seated before tightening.
9. 9

   Install new axle nut
   Install the new axle nut onto the axle shaft threads. Thread it on by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not torque at this time.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (weight still on jack stands). Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque axle nut and secure
    With the vehicle on the ground and parking brake applied, torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and axle shaft hole, or stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove as applicable to your axle nut design.
    ℹ️Never reuse the old axle nut. Always use a new nut and cotter pin or properly stake the nut.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill transmission fluid
    Locate the transmission fill plug on the top of the transaxle. Remove the fill plug and add Honda DW-1 ATF to replace the fluid lost during axle removal (approximately 0.5-1 quart). Check fluid level per Honda specification using the correct procedure for your transmission variant.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Verify axle nut is properly staked or cotter pin is installed and bent
3. Check for any transmission fluid leaks around the new seal
4. Verify lower ball joint pinch bolt is fully tightened

Verification

• Start the engine and shift through all transmission gears while stationary
• Inspect the axle seal area for any signs of fluid leakage
• Test drive the vehicle and verify smooth operation with no clicking, popping, or vibration from the CV axle
• Recheck axle seal area after test drive for any new leaks
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct after test drive

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