Axle Seal - Rear

This procedure covers replacement of the rear axle seals on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, requiring removal of the rear driveshafts and differential cover access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear axle shaft seal (inner) × 2 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Axle nut × 2 — Use OEM Honda specification
• Differential cover gasket or RTV sealant × 1 — Use Honda Bond or equivalent
• Drain plug washer × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Loosen but do not remove the 32mm axle nut on the side being serviced while vehicle is on ground with parking brake applied
4. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at proper jacking points
5. Remove rear wheels
6. Place drain pan under differential area to catch transmission fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheel and axle nut
   Remove the rear wheel completely. Remove the 32mm axle nut (which was previously loosened) and remove the washer behind it. Discard the old axle nut as a new one must be installed.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove rear brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts and support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose. Remove the brake rotor. If rotor is stuck, use rotor set screws holes to break it free.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect driveshaft from hub assembly
   Support the outer end of the driveshaft. If the vehicle has a hub bearing assembly, the driveshaft may need to be pressed or pulled from the hub. Use a slide hammer or puller if needed. On some configurations, the entire hub assembly may need removal for seal access.
   ⚠Do not damage the ABS sensor or tone ring during driveshaft removal.
4. 4

   Remove inner driveshaft from differential
   Using a pry bar between the inner CV joint and differential housing, carefully pry the driveshaft from the differential. The inner joint should pop free from the retaining clip. Pull the driveshaft assembly completely out. Transmission fluid will drain from the opening.
   ⚠Be careful not to damage the differential housing or existing seal during removal.
5. 5

   Drain remaining differential fluid
   If not already done, locate and remove the differential drain plug to fully drain the remaining fluid. This provides cleaner access for seal work and ensures fresh fluid on reassembly. Clean the drain plug and replace the crush washer.
6. 6

   Remove old axle seal
   Using a seal puller or seal removal tool, carefully extract the old axle seal from the differential housing. Work carefully to avoid damaging the seal bore in the housing. Inspect the seal bore for any scoring, burrs, or damage that could cause the new seal to leak.
   ⚠Do not gouge or scratch the seal bore surface. Any damage will cause the new seal to leak.
7. 7

   Clean and prepare seal bore
   Thoroughly clean the seal bore with a lint-free cloth and brake cleaner. Remove any old seal residue or debris. Use a wire brush if needed, being careful not to damage the sealing surface. Inspect the bore for damage. Wipe clean and dry.
8. 8

   Install new axle seal
   Lightly lubricate the outer diameter of the new seal with transmission fluid. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the spring side facing inward toward the differential. Using a seal driver or appropriately sized socket that contacts only the outer edge of the seal, carefully drive the seal into place until it seats fully and is flush with the housing.
   ⚠Drive the seal straight and evenly. Do not cock the seal or drive on the inner portion as this will damage the seal and cause leaks.
9. 9

   Reinstall driveshaft to differential
   Lightly lubricate the inner CV joint splines and seal lip with transmission fluid. Align the driveshaft with the differential opening and push firmly until the retaining clip clicks into place. Verify the driveshaft is fully seated by attempting to pull it back out.
   ℹ️A definite click should be felt when the circlip engages. The shaft should not pull out easily once installed.
10. 10

    Reinstall driveshaft to hub
    Insert the outer end of the driveshaft through the hub assembly. Ensure the splines align properly. If the hub was removed, reinstall it with a new hub nut. Install the new 32mm axle nut but only hand tighten for now.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake components
    Reinstall the brake rotor. Position the brake caliper over the rotor and install the caliper mounting bolts. Torque the caliper mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill differential with transmission fluid
    Using Honda DW-1 ATF, refill the differential through the fill opening to the proper level. Check your service manual for the exact fill procedure and level specification. Reinstall and torque the drain plug if it was removed.
13. 13

    Torque axle nut and reinstall wheel
    Reinstall the rear wheel and hand tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent rotation. Torque the 32mm axle nut to specification. Stake the nut or install a new cotter pin per factory specification. Raise the vehicle slightly and torque the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern.
    ⚠The axle nut must be properly staked or secured with a cotter pin to prevent loosening.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    If replacing both rear axle seals, repeat steps 1 through 13 for the opposite side. Work on one side at a time to maintain proper differential alignment.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both axle nuts are properly torqued and staked or pinned
2. Verify all brake components are properly reinstalled and torqued
3. Double check that differential fluid level is correct
4. Ensure no tools or parts are left under the vehicle

Verification

• Lower vehicle completely and perform a final torque check on wheel lug nuts in a star pattern
• Test drive the vehicle and listen for any unusual noises from the rear differential or driveshafts
• After test drive, inspect the differential seal area for any signs of fluid leakage
• Recheck differential fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify proper brake operation and ABS function

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