How to Replace the CV Drive Axle for a 1995 Honda Accord LX

If you are hearing a clicking or crunching noise coming from the front of your 1995 Honda Accord while turning, it may be time to replace a constant velocity drive axle. A CV joint, like any other part, will wear out as a car gets older. However, a common unseen problem that could make it wear faster is a tear in the CV boot. It does not take long before all the grease inside a CV joint is gone when a boot is ripped. And a CV joint without grease has a short life span. Most repair facilities check CV boots when they change your oil. But it's important for you to periodically check boot conditions on older cars, because once you hear the clicking noise, its too late.

Instructions

Removal

1

Park the car on a flat solid surface. Remove the hubcap. On the side where you are replacing the axle, loosen -- but do not remove -- the lug nuts using a lug wrench. Loosen the spindle nut using a ratchet and socket. Raise the car with the floor jack. Place one jack stand under a solid piece of frame on both sides of the car. Lower the frame onto the jack stands. Ensure the jack stands securely support the car.

2

Remove the lug nuts and wheel assembly. Remove the spindle nut and washer. Remove the lower ball joint nut using a combination wrench. Remove the lower ball joint using the ball joint separator.

3

Reach behind the spindle and hold the outer CV joint with one hand. Pull the hub off the outer shaft by pulling outward on the spindle assembly with the other hand. If the shaft is stuck in the hub with rust, spray it with rust penetrant and let it sit for a few minutes. Then hit the end of the shaft with a brass hammer.

4

Place a clean drain pan under the differential case. Remove the inner CV shaft from the differential case by prying against the inner CV joint housing and the differential case. There is a snap-ring near the end of the splined shaft holding it in place. You may have to pry firmly, but be careful not to cause damage to the oil seal in the case. Slide the shaft out of the differential.

Installation

5

Remove the snap-ring from the old shaft and put it on the replacement shaft if it does not come with one. Most re-manufactured CV shafts do include a new snap-ring, but verify that it does.

6

Slide the inner shaft of the replacement CV shaft into the differential case. You should hear the snap-ring click when it is fully in place. To check that it is in place, gently pull on the inner CV joint housing. Do not pull on the joint itself, only the housing.

7

Pull the spindle outward. Insert the outer shaft through the spindle and push it in place. Install the lower ball joint and nut. Tighten the nut using the combination wrench. Install the washer and nut on the outer shaft with a socket and ratchet, but do not try to torque it until the wheel is on and on the ground.

8

Install the wheel assembly and lug nut. Tighten the lug nuts as tight as you can with a lug wrench. Lift the frame off the jack stands using the floor jack. Remove the jack stands and lower the car to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts to 80 foot-pounds using a torque wench. Tighten the spindle nut to 181 foot-pounds. Fold a piece of the nut into the groove of the shaft to lock it in place, using a punch and hammer. Replace the hubcap. Fill the transfer case to operating level.