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 Band
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install a new ear clamp band (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): 22.2 mm (0.87 in)

Wire diameter (B): 1.6 mm (0.06 in)

Fig 2: Identifying Stop Ring Gap Dimension
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the stop ring (A) into the driveshaft groove (B).

Fig 3: Identifying Stop Ring And Driveshaft Groove
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 Into Outboard Joint
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
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pack the outboard joint (A) with the remaining joint grease included in the outboard boot set.
Total grease quantity

Outboard joint: 85-105 g (3.0-3.7 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.
Left driveshaft: 590.9-595.9 mm (23.26-23.46 in)

Right driveshaft: 619.9-624.9 mm (24.40-24.60 in)

Fig 10: Identifying Driveshaft Length
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install new boot bands.
- For the low profile type (see step 20
- For the ear clamp type (see step 12