How to Replace the CV Boot on a Prelude

You are on your way to work in your reliable Honda Prelude. You realized that something was wrong when you left the driveway but couldn't quite place your finger on it. As you pull onto the highway, the low popping noise becomes louder, increasing in volume and intensity as you round the corners. The Prelude screams in protest as you make the final turn off the highway and with a loud click stops moving forward. The momentum is just enough to get your vehicle off the road. The problem is that your constant-velocity boot has been corroded and you have quite a repair project on your hands.

Instructions

1

Park the Prelude on a solid and level surface. Loosen the lug nuts on the front two wheels of the vehicle.

2

Raise the Prelude up on a hydraulic lift. You will be removing the front axle to replace the CV boot. It is normally recommended to replace the entire axle assembly with new CV boots when one or both have worn out. Removing the boot will expose the ends of the axle to potential contaminants that will affect the performance of even a brand-new CV joint.

3

Remove the lug nuts and tires and set them aside.

4

Remove the hub nut in the center of both wheels with a socket wrench.

5

Pull the thin hose in the back of the wheel area, this is the brake line. Insert a rubber stopper into the open end to prevent leakage and hang the brake line out of the way. Unhook the clamps from the brake assembly and remove the cotter pin holding the calipers and disc to the assembly. Place these smaller parts aside so that you can reassemble them later.

6

Locate the ball joint bolt. It will be securing the ball joint to the axle. Unbolt the ball joint using a socket wrench. If you have difficulty removing this bolt, spray some penetrating oil and let it soak in to loosen it. Pull the joint out from under the vehicle and set it aside.

7

Remove the axle shaft from the wheel by fitting the axle shaft tool over the bolt and turning. Lift the axle shaft out of position and carry it over to your work bench to replace the CV boot.

8

Secure the axle shaft to a vise. Use a piece of rubber mat placed between the vise teeth and the axle to prevent damage.

9

Cut the old boots from both ends using a sharp knife or cutting tool. Inspect the grease inside for corrosion, dirt and fluid. If any of these are present, you will need to replace the entire axle so you don't place a new boot over the contaminated axle. An axle can be cleaned, but it is recommended that you replace the entire axle in this case.

10

Remove the retaining ring by placing a flathead screwdriver behind it and rapping it until it clears the end of the axle. Force the old CV joint off the axle and set aside, repeat for the other end.

11

Spray some kerosene onto the end of the axle or soak it in kerosene for a period of time to remove old grease and oil residues. Rinse the axle with water when it has been cleaned off and allow it to dry thoroughly before installing the new CV boots on it.

12

Take the CV joint out of the package and pack the axle grease into the joint. It should surround the bearings and metal pieces. Any metal surface in the joint should be covered in axle grease.

13

Pack the new CV boots with the remaining axle grease. Slip the boot over the end of the axle and reinstall the CV joint and retaining ring. Some kits will come with a new retaining ring; if so, then use that one. Slide it onto the end of the axle until you hear a click.

14

Reassemble all parts in the reverse order in which you removed them.