Rear 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 1.5-2.0 g (0.05-0.07 oz) of super high temp urea grease (P/N 08798-9002) to the whole splined surface (A). 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 rear differential.

Fig 1: Identifying Set Ring Groove And Grease Applying Area
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install a new set ring (A) into the set ring groove of the rear differential before installing the driveshaft (B).

Fig 2: Identifying Set Ring, Set Ring Groove And Driveshaft
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.
Make sure the inboard joint (A) is installed all the way into the rear differential (B) and to ensure the set ring (C) is properly seated.

Fig 3: Installing Rear Differential And Set Ring
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull the knuckle outward, and insert the rear driveshaft outboard joint (A) into the rear hub.
NOTE: When installing the outboard joint continue supporting both the knuckle and the lower arm with the transmission jack. Make sure not to over extend the brake hose.

Fig 4: Identifying Rear Driveshaft Outboard Joint And Rear Hub
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Loosely install a new flange bolt (A) onto lower arm B.

Fig 5: Flange Bolt On Lower Arm And Mounting Bolt With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install lower arm A, then loosely install a new flange bolt (B) and a new self-locking nut (C) with the washer (D).
NOTE: Position the paint mark (E) on lower arm A toward the outside of the vehicle.

Fig 6: Flange Bolt, Self-Locking Nut, Washer, Lower Arm And Mounting Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Wipe off any grease contamination from the ball joint tapered section and threads, then install the upper arm (A). Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot (B). Wipe off the grease before tightening the nut at the ball joint. Torque the castle nut (C) 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 7: Upper Arm, Ball Joint Boot, Castle Nut And Lock Pin With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the lock pin (D) into the ball joint pin hole as shown.
Remove the transmission jack.
With active damper system/With headlight leveling system left side: Install the suspension stroke sensor.
Install the rear wheel speed sensor (A) and the wheel speed sensor harness clip (B).

Fig 8: Rear Wheel Speed Sensor, Harness Clip And Mounting Bolt With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Place a floor jack under lower arm B, and raise the suspension to load it with the vehicle's weight.
Tighten the lower arm B flange bolt, the lower arm A self-locking nut, and the lower arm A flange bolt to the specified torque values, then remove the floor jack.
Apply a small amount of engine oil to the seating surface of a new spindle nut (A).

Fig 9: Spindle Nut 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 rear wheel.
With active damper system: Do the memorizing rear suspension full rebound position (see MEMORIZING REAR SUSPENSION FULL REBOUND POSITION ).
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.
Check the wheel alignment, and adjust it if necessary (see WHEEL ALIGNMENT ).
Test-drive the vehicle.