Front Driveshaft Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Before starting installation, make sure the mating surfaces of the joint and the splined section are clean.

Apply about 5 g (0.18 oz) of holy 60 paste (P/N 08734-0001) to the contact area (A) of the outboard joint and the front wheel bearing.
NOTE: The paste helps prevent noise and vibration.

Fig 1: Identifying Paste Applying Area On Front Wheel Bearing Contact Area
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install a new set ring (A) into the set ring groove (B) of the left driveshaft inboard joint.

Fig 2: Identifying Set Ring And Set Ring Groove Of Left Driveshaft Inboard Joint
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install a new set ring (A) into the set ring groove (B) of the intermediate shaft.

Fig 3: Identifying Set Ring And Set Ring Groove Of Intermediate Shaft
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Apply 2.0-3.0 g (0.07-0.11 oz) of super high temp urea grease (P/N 08798-9002) 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 4: Identifying Set Ring Groove And Grease Applying Area
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Clean the areas where the driveshaft contacts the differential thoroughly with solvent, and dry them with compressed air.
NOTE: Do not wash the rubber parts with solvent.
Insert the inboard end (A) of the driveshaft into the differential (B) or the intermediate shaft (C) until the set ring (D) locks in the groove (E).
NOTE: Insert the driveshaft horizontally to prevent damaging the oil seal.

Fig 5: Inserting Inboard End Of Driveshaft Into Differential And Intermediate Shaft (Left)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Fig 6: Inserting Inboard End Of Driveshaft Into Differential And Intermediate Shaft (Right)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the outboard joint (A) into the front hub (B) on the knuckle.

Fig 7: Installing Outboard Joint Into Front Hub On Knuckle
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). Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot (C). Wipe off the grease before tightening the nut at the ball joint. Torque a new castle nut (D) to the lower torque specification, then tighten it only far enough to align the slot with the ball joint pin hole.
NOTE:
- Make sure the ball joint boot is not damaged or cracked.
- Do not align the nut by loosening it.
Fig 8: Knuckle, Lower Arm, Ball Joint Boot And Torque Castle Nut With Torque Specification
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the lock pin (E) into the ball joint pin hole as shown.
With active damper system/With headlight leveling system left side: Install the suspension stroke sensor (see SUSPENSION STROKE SENSOR REPLACEMENT ).
Install the splash shield (see SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT ) and the front undercover (see FRONT UNDERCOVER REPLACEMENT ).
Apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of a new spindle nut (A).

Fig 9: Spindle Nut And Spindle Nut Shoulder With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the spindle nut, then tighten it. After tightening, use a drift to stake the spindle nut shoulder (B) against the driveshaft.
Clean the mating surfaces between the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheel.
With headlight leveling system: Do the headlight initial position learning procedure (see HEADLIGHT INITIAL POSITION LEARNING PROCEDURE ).
Turn the wheel by hand, and make sure there is no interference between the driveshaft and surrounding parts.
Lower the vehicle.
Refill the transmission with the recommended transmission fluid (see ATF REPLACEMENT ).
Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).
Test-drive the vehicle.