Axle Shaft Assembly: Service and Repair

Removal

Replacement procedures for left and right driveshafts are the same.
1. Drain transaxle, then reinstall drain plug.
2. After removing spindle nut locking device, loosen spindle nut. On models equipped with staked spindle nut, loosen nut with suitable wrench to overcome nut lock. Nut must be replaced during installation.
3. Raise and support front of vehicle, then remove front wheel assembly and spindle nut.
4. On Prelude and 1986-88 Accord, remove damper fork through bolt, pinch bolt and the damper fork.
5. On all models, separate lower ball joint from steering knuckle. On models equipped with front stabilizer bar, remove stabilizer bar attaching bolts prior to separating lower ball joint from steering knuckle.
6. Pull hub outward, separating hub assembly from driveshaft.
7. Using a blunt screwdriver or other suitable tool, pry CV joint out approximately 0.5 inch (12 mm) to force spring clip past differential side gear spline groove.
8. Pull driveshaft assembly out of transaxle and vehicle.


Service

Fig. 2 Front drive axle assembly. Models w/roller type joint:

Prior to disassembly, mark rollers and roller grooves.
1. To disassemble driveshafts, follow numbered sequence shown in Fig. 2. Prior to disassembly, mark rollers and grooves to ensure proper component installation during assembly.
2. To assemble, reverse numbered sequence shown in Fig. 2, noting the following:
a. Pack inboard and outboard joints with molybdenum disulfide grease.
b. Install rollers on spider shafts, then slide spider assembly into inboard shaft joint. Avoid getting grease on rubber parts.
c. Position boots and install small end bands, then expand and compress boots until they return to their normal shape and length.
d. Install large end bands.