Driveshaft Installation

NOTE: Before starting installation, make sure the mating surfaces of the joint and the splined section are not dusty or dirty.

Apply grease to the contact area (A) of the outboard joint and the front wheel bearing.

Fig 1: Applying Grease In Outboard Joint And Front Wheel Bearing
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

NOTE: Failure to apply grease may cause excessive noise and vibration.
Install a new set ring onto the set ring groove of the driveshaft (left driveshaft).

Fig 2: Identifying Set Ring
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Apply 0.5-1.0 g (0.02-0.04 oz) of grease to the whole splined surface (A) of the right driveshaft. After applying grease, remove the grease from the splined grooves at intervals of 2-3 splines and from the set ring groove (B) so that air can bleed from the intermediate shaft.

Fig 3: Applying Grease To Splined Surface
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Clean the areas where the driveshaft contacts the differential thoroughly with solvent or brake cleaner, and dry with compressed air.
NOTE: Do not wash the rubber parts with solvent.
Install the inboard end (A) of the driveshaft into the differential (B) or intermediate shaft (C) until the set ring (D) locks in the groove (E).
NOTE: Insert the driveshaft horizontally to prevent damaging the differential oil seal.

Fig 4: Inserting Inboard Of Driveshaft Into Differential
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the outboard joint (A) into the front hub (B).

Fig 5: Installing Outboard Joint Into Front Wheel Hub
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Wipe off any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered section and threads, then install the knuckle (A) onto the lower arm (B). Torque the new castle nut (C) to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole. Do not align the nut by loosening it.
NOTE: Make sure the ball joint boot is not damaged or cracked.

Fig 6: Knuckle Onto Lower Arm With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the new cotter pin (D) into the ball joint pin hole, and bend the cotter pin as shown.
Install the damper fork (A) over the driveshaft and onto the lower arm. Install the damper in the damper fork so the aligning tab (B) is aligned with the slot in the damper fork. Loosely install the damper pinch bolt (C).

Fig 7: Aligning Tab With Slot In Damper Fork (with Torque Specifications)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Loosely install a new damper fork mounting bolt (D) and a new self-locking nut (E).
Connect the front stabilizer link (A) to the lower arm. Hold the stabilizer link ball joint pin (B) with a hex wrench (C), and tighten the new flange nut (D).

Fig 8: Holding Stabilizer Link Ball Joint Pin With Hex Wrench (with Torque Specifications)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of the new spindle nut (A).

Fig 9: Applying Small Amount Of Engine Oil To Seating Surface Of Spindle Nut (with Torque Specifications)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install a new spindle nut, then tighten the nut. After tightening, use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder (B) against the driveshaft.
Place a jack under the lower arm, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.
Clean the mating surfaces of the brake disc and the front wheel, then install the front wheel.
Turn the front wheel by hand, and make sure there is no interference between the driveshaft and surrounding parts.
Tighten the damper pinch bolt and damper fork mounting bolt with the vehicle's weight on the damper.
Lower the vehicle on the lift.
Refill the transmission with the recommended transmission fluid:
- Manual transmission (see MANUAL TRANSMISSION )
- Automatic transmission (see step 4 on ATF REPLACEMENT )
Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).
Test-drive the vehicle.