Front Driveshaft Removal

Special Tools Required 

• Ball Joint Thread Protector, 14 mm 071AF-S3VA000
• Ball Joint Remover, 32 mm 07MAC-SL0A102

1. Raise and support the vehicle (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).
2. Remove the front wheel.
3. Pry up the stake (A) on the spindle nut (B), then remove the nut.
   Fig 1: Identifying Stake And Spindle Nut Of Front Driveshaft

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Drain the transmission fluid, then reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer (see ATF REPLACEMENT ).
5. Remove the brake hose mounting bolt (A).
   Fig 2: Identifying Brake Hose Mounting Bolt

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. Remove the lock pin (A) from the lower arm ball joint, then remove the castle nut (B). Separate the knuckle from the lower arm (C) using the 14 mm ball joint thread protector (D) and the 32 mm ball joint remover (E) (see REAR ).
   NOTE:

   • Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot when installing the remover.
   • Do not force or hammer on the lower arm, or pry between the lower arm and the knuckle. You could damage the ball joint.
     Fig 3: Identifying Lock Pin, Castle Nut, Lower Arm, Ball Joint Thread Protector And Ball Joint Remover

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
7. Pull the knuckle outward, and separate the front driveshaft outboard joint from the front hub using a soft face hammer.
   Fig 4: Separating Front Driveshaft Outboard Joint From Front Hub Using Soft Face Hammer

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
8. Left driveshaft: Pry the inboard joint (A) from the differential using a pry bar. Remove the driveshaft as an assembly.
   NOTE:

   • Do not pull on the driveshaft (B), or the inboard joint may come apart. Pull the inboard joint straight out to avoid damaging the oil seal.
   • Be careful not to damage the oil seal or the end of the inboard joint using the pry bar.
     Fig 5: Prying Inboard Joint From Differential Using Pry Bar

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Left driveshaft: Remove the set ring (A) from the driveshaft inboard joint.
   Fig 6: Identifying Set Ring Of Driveshaft Inboard Joint

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
10. Right driveshaft: Remove the driveshaft bearing bracket bolts (A).
    Fig 7: Identifying Driveshaft Bearing Bracket Bolts

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
11. Right driveshaft: Remove the inboard joint (A) from the differential.
    NOTE:

    • Do not pull on the driveshaft (B), or the inboard joint may come apart.
    • Pull the inboard joint straight out to avoid damaging the oil seal (C).
    • Be careful not to damage the inboard joint ring (D).
      Fig 8: Pulling Inboard Joint Straight Out To Avoid Damaging Oil Seal

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.