Remove and replace both front CV axles on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including hub nut removal, lower ball joint separation, and inner CV joint disconnection from the transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• CV axle assembly - driver side × 1 — OEM Honda part number recommended
• CV axle assembly - passenger side × 1 — OEM Honda part number recommended
• Axle nut - driver side × 1 — Use new, self-locking type
• Axle nut - passenger side × 1 — Use new, self-locking type
• Lower ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 2 — Reuse if threads intact

Fluids

• Honda DW-1 ATF — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. With vehicle on ground and brake applied, use breaker bar to crack loose both 32mm axle nuts approximately 1/4 turn (do not remove completely)
4. Lift front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at factory jacking points
5. Remove front wheels completely
6. Place drain pan under transmission area to catch any fluid spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut and washer
   With vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the 32mm axle nut and washer from the hub. The nut should turn freely now that it was cracked loose on the ground. Discard the old nut as a new one must be installed.
2. 2

   Separate lower ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the castle nut from the lower ball joint using a 19mm socket. Insert a ball joint separator tool between the lower control arm and steering knuckle. Tighten the separator or strike with a hammer to pop the ball joint taper free. Once separated, support the lower control arm with a wire or bungee to prevent suspension from hanging.
   ⚠Do not strike the ball joint stud directly with a hammer as this can mushroom threads and prevent nut reinstallation.
3. 3

   Push axle out of wheel hub
   With the ball joint separated, pull the knuckle assembly outward away from the vehicle. The outer CV joint splines should slide out of the hub bearing. If the axle is stuck, tap the end of the axle shaft with a plastic mallet or use a brass punch. Do not strike the threads.
4. 4

   Remove inner CV joint from transmission - driver side
   Position drain pan under the driver side inner CV joint. Insert a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and transmission case. Pry with steady force to pop the circlip free from the differential side gear. Pull the entire axle assembly out of the transmission. Transmission fluid will drain out. Plug the transmission opening with a clean rag to minimize fluid loss.
   ⚠Pry only against the CV joint housing, not the axle shaft itself, to avoid damaging the shaft or joint.
5. 5

   Remove inner CV joint from transmission - passenger side
   Repeat the removal process for the passenger side axle. Position drain pan, pry the inner CV joint from the transmission with a pry bar until the circlip releases, and remove the axle assembly. Plug the transmission opening with a clean rag.
6. 6

   Inspect differential side gears and seals
   With both axles removed, inspect the transmission side gears for damage or excessive wear. Check the differential seals for leaks or damage. Replace seals if any seepage is present. Wipe the seal area clean before installing new axles.
7. 7

   Install new passenger side axle into transmission
   Remove protective cap from new axle if present. Align the inner CV joint splines with the differential side gear. Push the axle straight into the transmission with firm pressure until the circlip clicks into the groove. Tug outward on the axle to verify it is locked in place and will not pull out.
   ℹ️Ensure the circlip on the new axle is properly seated in its groove before installation. A damaged or missing circlip will allow the axle to pull out during operation.
8. 8

   Install new driver side axle into transmission
   Repeat the installation process for the driver side. Align splines, push axle in until circlip clicks, and verify it is locked by pulling outward on the inner joint housing.
9. 9

   Install outer CV joints into wheel hubs
   Guide the outer CV joint splines into the wheel hub bearing. Push the knuckle inward toward the vehicle while aligning the splines. The axle should slide through the hub. If resistance is encountered, rotate the axle slightly to align splines, then push through completely.
10. 10

    Reconnect lower ball joints to knuckles
    Lift the lower control arm up to the knuckle and align the ball joint stud into the knuckle bore. Install the castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots and ball joint stud, then bend pin legs to secure.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install axle nut and washer
    Place the washer onto the axle shaft, then thread the NEW 32mm axle nut onto the axle. Hand tighten only at this stage. Do not torque yet.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install wheels and hand tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheels just touch the ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. This prevents hub from spinning during final axle nut torque.
13. 13

    Torque axle nuts
    With vehicle weight partially on wheels to prevent spinning, torque both 32mm axle nuts to specification using a torque wrench. After torquing, stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer. Strike the nut collar in at least two points to deform it into the shaft groove, preventing the nut from loosening.
    ⚠Staking the axle nut is critical for safety. The nut must be permanently deformed into the axle groove to prevent loosening during vehicle operation.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut242 Nm (181 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Final wheel installation and torque
    Fully lower vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Check and top off transmission fluid
    Check transmission fluid level using the dipstick or fill plug (depending on transmission type). Add Honda DW-1 ATF as needed to bring level back to the proper mark. Typically 8-16 oz will need to be added to replace fluid lost during axle removal.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both axle nuts are properly staked after torquing to prevent loosening
2. Verify all suspension components are properly reconnected and torqued
3. Check for any transmission fluid leaks around the differential seals after test drive

Verification

• Test drive vehicle and listen for clicking or popping noises from CV joints during turns, which would indicate improper installation or defective parts
• Verify no vibration is present during acceleration, which could indicate improperly seated axle splines in the hub or transmission
• Recheck transmission fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Inspect area under vehicle for any transmission fluid leaks from differential seals
• Verify axle nuts are properly staked and show no signs of loosening

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