Outboard Joint Side

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.

Wrap the splines on the driveshaft with vinyl tape (A) to prevent damaging the outboard boot.

Fig 1: Identifying Driveshaft With Vinyl Tape And Ear Clamp Bands
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install new ear clamp bands (B) and the outboard boot onto the driveshaft, then remove the vinyl tape. Be careful not to damage the outboard boot.
Make sure to check the size of a new stop ring.
NOTE: To avoid driveshaft and vehicle damage, make sure you install a new stop ring.

Stop ring specifications

Overall diameter (A): 31.2 mm (1.23 in)

Wire diameter (B): 2.0 mm (0.08 in)

Fig 2: Identifying Stop Ring Gap Dimension
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Install the stop ring (A) into the driveshaft groove (B).

Fig 3: Identifying Stop Ring And Driveshaft Groove
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Pack about 35 g (1.2 oz) of grease included in the new outboard boot set into the driveshaft hole in the outboard joint.
NOTE: If you are installing a new outboard joint, the grease is already installed.

Fig 4: Filling Grease Included In Outboard Boot Set
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Insert the driveshaft (A) into the outboard joint (B) until the stop ring (C) is close to the joint.

Fig 5: Inserting Driveshaft To Outboard Joint And Stop Ring
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
To completely seat the outboard joint, pick up the driveshaft and the joint, and tap or hit the assembly onto a hard surface from a height of about 10 cm (4 in).
NOTE: Do not use a hammer, as excessive force may damage the driveshaft. Be careful not to damage the threaded section (A) of the outboard joint.

Fig 6: Identifying Driveshaft Threaded Section Of Outboard Joint Height
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the alignment of the paint mark (A) you made with the outboard joint end (B).
NOTE: To avoid driveshaft and vehicle damage, the shaft must be all the way into the outboard joint to ensure the stop ring is properly seated.

Fig 7: Identifying Paint Mark And Outboard Joint End
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Pack the outboard joint (A) with the remaining joint grease included in the outboard boot set.
Total grease quantity

Outboard joint: 115-135 g (4.1-4.8 oz)

Fig 8: Filling Grease Included In Outboard Boot Set
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Fit the boot ends (A) onto the driveshaft (B) and the outboard joint (C). Bleed any excess air from the boot by inserting a flat-tipped screwdriver between the boot and the joint.

Fig 9: Identifying Boot Ends On Driveshaft And Outboard Joint
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Inspect the length (A) of the driveshafts in the figure as shown, then adjust the boots to halfway between full compression and full extension.

Fig 10: Identifying Driveshaft Length (Left Side)
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Fig 11: Identifying Driveshaft Length (Right Side)
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Close the ear portion (A) of the band using a commercially available boot band clamp tool (Kent-Moore J-35910 or equivalent) (B).

Fig 12: Closing Ear Portion Of Band
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Check the clearance between the closed ear portion of the band. If the clearance is not within the standard, close the ear portion of the band tighter.

Fig 13: Checking Clearance Between Closed Ear Portion Of Band
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Repeat steps 12 and 13 for the band on the other end of the boot.