This procedure covers the replacement of the inner CV boot on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, requiring partial axle disassembly and boot replacement without full axle removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Inner CV boot kit (includes boot, clamps, and grease) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New axle nut × 1 — 90305-T0G-A01 or equivalent
• Transmission fluid (if needed to top off) × 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. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen but do not remove the front wheel lug nuts on the side being serviced (1/4 turn)
4. Loosen the axle nut with 32mm socket while vehicle is still on ground and transmission in Park or 1st gear (brake pedal pressed)
5. Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Remove the wheel completely
7. Position drain pan under transmission area to catch any ATF spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove axle nut
   With vehicle raised and wheel removed, completely remove the 32mm axle nut that was previously loosened. Remove and discard the nut as a new one will be installed during reassembly. If equipped with a cotter pin, remove it first with pliers.
2. 2

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the lower ball joint pinch bolt securing the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Use a ball joint separator or carefully pry the joint apart to release the knuckle from the control arm. This provides clearance to manipulate the axle.
3. 3

   Separate inner CV joint from transmission
   Position drain pan directly under the inner CV joint area. Using a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and the transmission case, carefully pry the inner CV joint straight out of the transmission. The joint should pop free with firm pressure. Be prepared for approximately 0.5 quarts of ATF to drain. Pull the axle away from the transmission and support it to prevent damage.
   ⚠Do not pry against the CV boot or axle shaft itself. Pry only on the metal housing to avoid damage.
4. 4

   Remove outer end from hub
   Push the outer CV joint and axle shaft out of the wheel hub bearing. You may need to tap the end with a plastic mallet or brass punch if it is tight. Support the axle assembly and move it to a clean work area. The entire axle does not need to be removed from the vehicle, but must have enough freedom of movement to access the inner boot.
5. 5

   Remove old inner CV boot
   Using wire cutters, carefully cut and remove both clamps securing the inner CV boot. Slide the old boot away from the inner CV joint toward the center of the axle shaft. Wipe away old grease from the joint housing, spider/tripod bearing, and shaft using shop towels. Inspect the CV joint components for wear, pitting, or damage. If damaged, the entire axle should be replaced rather than just the boot.
6. 6

   Clean and inspect CV joint
   Thoroughly clean the inner CV joint housing, tripod bearing, and axle shaft with clean shop towels. Remove all old grease. Inspect the tripod rollers for smooth movement and check for any scoring, pitting, or wear on the housing or bearing surfaces. Verify the circlip groove on the axle shaft is clean and undamaged.
7. 7

   Install new boot and clamps
   Slide the new small clamp onto the axle shaft first, followed by the new CV boot (small end first). Position the small end of the boot in the groove on the axle shaft. Install the small clamp in the boot groove but do not tighten yet. Ensure the boot is properly seated in the shaft groove.
8. 8

   Pack CV joint with grease
   Pack the inner CV joint housing with the CV grease provided in the boot kit (typically the entire contents of the grease packet, approximately 100-130 grams). Distribute grease evenly in the housing and between the tripod rollers. Slide the boot over the CV joint housing and seat it in the housing groove. Ensure the boot is not twisted.
9. 9

   Secure boot clamps
   Position the large clamp in the groove on the CV joint housing end of the boot. Before tightening clamps, adjust the boot to the proper installed length (check that boot is neither compressed nor stretched). Use CV boot clamp pliers to secure both the small and large clamps tightly. Ensure clamps are properly crimped and will not come loose.
10. 10

    Reinstall axle into transmission
    Wipe the inner CV joint splines and differential seal area clean. Align the inner CV joint with the transmission opening and push firmly until the circlip seats with an audible click. Pull outward on the axle to verify it is locked into the differential side gear. Do not proceed unless the axle is fully seated.
    ⚠Ensure circlip is properly seated. A partially inserted axle can pop out during operation, causing loss of vehicle control.
11. 11

    Reinstall outer CV into hub
    Guide the outer CV shaft back through the wheel hub bearing. The splines should slide through with light pressure. Do not force. Thread the new axle nut onto the shaft by hand, but do not torque yet.
12. 12

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Align the lower ball joint with the steering knuckle and install the pinch bolt. Torque the pinch bolt to specification per factory service manual (typically 47-54 Nm).
13. 13

    Install wheel and torque axle nut
    Reinstall the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground to prevent wheel rotation. Torque the axle nut to 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Stake the nut collar into the axle shaft groove using a punch and hammer, or install a new cotter pin if equipped. Raise vehicle, torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern, then lower vehicle completely.
    ⚠️Axle nut must be properly torqued and staked/pinned. Improper installation can cause nut to loosen and wheel/hub failure.
    Torque spec

    Axle Nut250 Nm (184 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. New axle nut must be used and properly staked or pinned after torquing
2. Verify both CV boot clamps are securely crimped and will not slip
3. Check that inner CV joint is fully seated in transmission with circlip engaged

Verification

• Check transmission fluid level and top off with Honda DW-1 ATF as needed to proper level on dipstick
• Start engine and verify no ATF leaks from transmission seal area
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary and verify no binding or unusual noises from CV joint
• Test drive vehicle at low speed, making turns in both directions to verify CV joint operates smoothly without clicking or vibration
• Recheck axle nut torque and staking after test drive
• Inspect new boot for any signs of damage or improper seating

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