Knuckle/Spindle - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear knuckle/spindle assembly on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine, including disconnection of suspension components and brake hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear knuckle/spindle assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut × 1 — Replace if damaged
• Cotter pin × 1 — Replace upon removal

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at proper jacking points
4. Remove rear wheel on affected side
5. Verify replacement knuckle matches original before beginning disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper and rotor
   Remove the two caliper bracket mounting bolts using a socket and breaker bar. Support the caliper with wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake hose - do NOT let it hang by the hose. Remove the caliper bracket. If the rotor is stuck, use two threaded holes to press it off with bolts, or tap gently with a plastic hammer.
2. 2

   Disconnect wheel speed sensor
   Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor connector near the knuckle. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector. Remove the single mounting bolt securing the sensor to the knuckle and carefully extract the sensor from its bore. Set aside in a safe location to avoid damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link where it connects to the lower control arm or knuckle. Hold the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Remove the upper nut connecting the link to the knuckle or control arm. Allow the link to swing away.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Support the knuckle assembly with one hand or a jack. Locate the two large bolts connecting the strut to the knuckle. These are through-bolts with nuts on the back side. Remove both nuts and bolts. The knuckle will now be free to move at the top, so maintain support.
   ⚠Support the knuckle assembly before removing these bolts to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Separate lower ball joint from control arm
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut at the bottom of the knuckle where it connects to the lower control arm. Remove the castle nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the control arm. Strike the separator firmly to break the taper fit.
   ⚠The ball joint will separate suddenly when the taper breaks. Maintain control of the knuckle assembly.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hub assembly from knuckle (if transferring)
   If reusing the hub bearing assembly, remove the four bolts from the back side of the knuckle that secure the hub. Use a press or hub puller if the hub is seized. If installing a new knuckle with hub already installed, skip this step. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner.
7. 7

   Install new knuckle assembly
   Position the new knuckle into place, aligning the ball joint stud with the hole in the lower control arm. Insert the ball joint stud through the control arm and thread on the new castle nut. Do not torque yet - leave finger tight to allow movement for alignment.
8. 8

   Reconnect strut to knuckle
   Align the knuckle mounting holes with the strut bracket. Insert both through-bolts from the front side and install nuts on the back. Torque both bolts to specification. Ensure the knuckle is fully seated against the strut bracket before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts109 Nm (81 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque ball joint nut and install cotter pin
   Torque the lower ball joint castle nut to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the cotter pin hole in the ball joint stud - if needed, tighten the nut slightly more (never loosen) to align the slots. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   ⚠Never loosen the castle nut to align cotter pin holes. Only tighten further if needed for alignment.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut84 Nm (62 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link back to its mounting point on the knuckle or control arm. Install the nut while holding the ball joint shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install wheel speed sensor
    Apply a small amount of anti-seize to the sensor body (avoid the sensor tip). Insert the sensor into its bore in the knuckle and secure with the mounting bolt. Torque the bolt to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall brake rotor and caliper
    Clean the hub face and rotor mating surface with brake cleaner. Install the rotor onto the hub. Position the caliper bracket and install both mounting bolts, torquing to specification. Install the caliper and secure. If brake line was disconnected, bleed the brake system following manufacturer procedure.
13. 13

    Install wheel and perform final torque
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Fully lower the vehicle.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Control arm bolts should be torqued to specification with vehicle weight on the wheels at normal ride height
2. If brake lines were disconnected, bleed the brake system completely and verify firm pedal before driving
3. Perform a final check of all fasteners after test drive

Verification

• Test brake pedal firmness - should be firm with no sponginess
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle to verify no unusual noises from suspension
• Verify ABS warning light is not illuminated after starting vehicle
• Test drive at low speed and verify no pulling, vibration, or unusual handling
• Schedule wheel alignment as suspension geometry will have changed

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