Differentials & Axle Shafts - Front Acura SLX I

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

All models have removable carrier type differentials on front axle. Drive axle shafts use Constant Velocity (CV) joints. All front axle shafts use Double Offset Joints (DOJ) on the inboard side and Birfield joints on the outboard side. Birfield joints cannot be disassembled, the DOJ must be disassembled for any boot servicing.

AXLE RATIO

Ratio is determined by dividing number of ring gear teeth by number of drive pinion teeth.

AXLE RATIO SPECIFICATIONS

CAPACITY

Fluid should be level with bottom of filler hole in front axle. Refill to capacities specified in DIFFERENTIAL FLUID CAPACITY table.

DIFFERENTIAL FLUID CAPACITY

FLUID TYPE

All models use GL-5 gear lubricant as specified in RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT table.

RECOMMENDED LUBRICANT

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. See TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

Removal & Installation (Hombre)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Using Torsion Bar Loader/Unloader (J 36202), unload torsion bars. Record number of turns required to unload torsion bars for installation reference. Remove wheel. Insert a drift or large screwdriver through the brake caliper and rotor vanes, or you can have an assistant apply the brakes.
2. Remove hub nut and washer. Remove brake caliper and wire aside. Remove bolts securing bearing and hub assembly to axle shaft. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all fasteners to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front__torque-specifications) .

Removal & Installation (All Others)

1. Ensure transfer case selector lever is in 2WD position. Move vehicle forward and backward about 3 feet. Raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove wheel and brake caliper. Wire caliper aside. Remove 6 bolts and automatic locking hub. Remove snap ring, shim and hub flange. Remove lock washer and lock screw. Remove hub nut, outer bearing and hub and disc assembly. Remove ABS sensor ring and inner bearing. (Scheme 1)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. For front hub inspection, see appropriate LOCKING HUBS article. Check wheel bearing preload with a spring scale. See WHEEL BEARING PRELOAD table. (Scheme 2)

Scheme 1

WHEEL BEARING PRELOAD

Scheme 2

Removal

Raise and support vehicle. On Hombre, use Torsion Bar Loader/Unloader (J 36202) to unload torsion bars. Record number of turns required to unload torsion bars for installation reference. On all models, remove hub, brake caliper, brake rotor and steering knuckle. Remove clamp, inner boot and "C" clip. (Scheme 3) Remove axle shaft. Remove mounting bracket bolts. Remove inner joint case from bracket.

Scheme 3

Installation

To install, reverse removal procedure. On Hombre, apply pre-measured amount of CV joint grease supplied with kit into boot and around bearings. On all other models, pack about 5.3 ozs. (150 g) of CV joint grease into boot and joint. Install snap ring with opening away from ball groove. Equalize air pressure within boot by lifting seating area with screwdriver. Ensure boot is not distorted. Install clamp.

Removal & Installation

Raise and support vehicle. Mark flanges at front axle, transfer case, and each end of drive shaft for installation reference. Remove flange bolts at each end of drive shaft. Remove drive shaft. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

1. Raise and support vehicle. Mark drive shaft and pinion flange for installation reference. Disconnect drive shaft at front axle pinion flange. Position drive shaft out of way. Mark pinion flange and pinion shaft for installation reference.
2. Hold pinion flange and remove pinion flange nut and discard. Place drain pan under pinion flange. Using puller, remove pinion flange. Pry out pinion oil seal. Remove outer pinion bearing and collapsible spacer.

1. Check pinion flange sealing surface for damage. Replace as necessary. Install NEW collapsible spacer and reinstall outer pinion bearing. Apply lubricant to sealing surfaces of NEW seal. Using seal driver, install seal. Apply sealant to pinion shaft splines.
2. Install pinion flange so reference mark aligns with pinion shaft mark. Install washer and NEW nut. Tighten pinion nut preload to specification and ensure starting torque is within specification. See «PINION PRELOAD SPECIFICATION»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front) table. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front__torque-specifications) .

PINION PRELOAD SPECIFICATION

FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY

Note. Front axle differential must be supported at all times during procedure.

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheels and skid plate. Drain front axle lubricant. Support front axle at differential housing with floor jack. Remove brake calipers. Wire calipers out of way. Remove ABS wheel speed sensor. Disconnect necessary electrical connectors and vacuum hoses.
2. Remove 6 bolts and locking hubs. Remove snap ring and shims from end of axle shaft. Disconnect outer tie rods from steering knuckles. Remove nuts from lower ball joints and separate steering knuckle from ball joint. Pull axles from hubs. Mark front drive shaft for installation reference. Remove suspension crossmember. Remove front drive shaft.
3. Remove Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV) assembly. Remove mounting bolts and nuts. Carefully remove front differential assembly. DO NOT damage drive axle shaft boots. Remove axle shafts (if necessary). To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten all bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front__torque-specifications) .

CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINT

Note. A clicking sound heard from CV joint under acceleration or sharp turning radius indicates excessive wear. Replacement of CV joint is necessary.

Removal & Disassembly

1. Remove drive axles. See «FRONT AXLE SHAFT»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Separate axle boot from CV joint. Using a screwdriver, pry "C" clip from inside CV joint outer housing. (Scheme 3) Pull bearing assembly and axle shaft from outer joint housing.
2. Remove 6 ball bearings from outer cage. Remove snap ring, inner bearing retainer, outer cage and boot from axle shaft. Discard boot.

Inspection

Clean parts with solvent and dry. Inspect ball bearings and cages for wear. Check for damaged axle shaft and CV joint splines. Replace components as necessary.

Reassembly & Installation

1. Install NEW boot onto axle shaft. Place inner bearing retainer onto axle shaft with smaller diameter end facing inward. Install snap ring.
2. Hold outer bearing cage over inner retainer and install 6 ball bearings into position. On Hombre, apply pre-measured amount of CV joint grease supplied with kit into boot and around bearings. On all other models, pack 5.3 ozs. (150 g) of CV joint grease into boot and around bearings.
3. Carefully slide bearing assembly into outer housing. Install "C" clip into grove of outer housing so that ends of "C" clip are not visible (away from bearing grove).
4. Position boot onto outer joint housing. Using a screwdriver, lift edge of boot to equalize air pressure. Ensure boot is free of distortion and install boot clamps. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front__torque-specifications) .

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

1. Remove drive axles. See «FRONT AXLE SHAFT»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Remove carrier from axle. Support differential assembly in fixture. Mark bearing cap locations. Remove bearing caps. Remove differential cage assembly from carrier. Remove side bearings. Tag parts for reassembly reference.
2. Mark locations of side bearing shims and side bearings. Place alignment marks on ring gear and differential cage for reassembly reference. Loosen ring gear bolts in a diagonal pattern. Remove ring gear. (Scheme 4)
3. Check side gear backlash before disassembly. (Scheme 5) Using a.20" (.5 mm) drill bit, remove staking and drive out pinion shaft lock pin from differential cage. Remove differential pinion shaft, pinion gears, side gears and thrust washers. Mark components for reassembly reference.
4. Remove pinion nut and pinion flange. Using soft-faced mallet, drive out pinion gear. Remove and discard collapsible spacer. Remove front pinion bearing and oil seal. Using brass drift, remove inner and outer bearing races. Using a press, remove rear pinion bearing and shim.

1. Clean all parts in solvent. DO NOT spin bearings with air when drying. Remove any nicks or burrs that would prevent pinion seal from seating properly. Ensure bearing cap bores are free of nicks or burrs. Replace housing if cracks exist.
2. Inspect drive pinion shaft for unusual wear. Inspect side and pinion gear teeth for wear, cracks, chips or scoring. Examine thrust washers for wear. Check fit of axle shafts in side gears. Inspect cage for cracks or scoring. Inspect bearings for wear, noise and smooth rotation.
3. Inspect drive pinion and ring gear teeth for wear, cracks, chips or scoring. Ring and pinion gears must be replaced as a set if either is defective. Inspect splines on drive pinion shaft and pinion flange for wear. Ensure sealing surface of pinion flange is free of defects which could cause damage to pinion oil seal.
4. Measure clearance between pinion shaft and pinion gears. Measure clearance between side gears and differential cage. Mount axle shaft in soft-jawed vise. Install side gear onto axle shaft. Measure clearance between axle shafts and side gears. See «FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CAGE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front) table. Replace components as necessary.

FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CAGE CLEARANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

1. Install thrust washers, side gears and pinion gears into differential cage. Install pinion shaft without lock pin.
2. Using dial indicator, measure pinion and side gear backlash while holding side gear. (Scheme 5) If backlash is not.001-.003" (.03-.08 mm), adjust by selecting side gear thrust washers of different thickness.
3. Thrust washers are available in thicknesses from.039-.043" (1.0-1.10 mm), in increments of.002" (.05 mm). Ensure both sides are equally shimmed. Once backlash is correct, install pinion shaft lock pin.
4. Stake lock pin hole to prevent movement. Install ring gear onto differential cage. Ensure alignment marks on differential cage and ring gear are aligned. Apply Loctite 271 to NEW ring gear bolt threads and install bolts.
5. Tighten bolts to specification in a diagonal pattern. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front__torque-specifications). Temporarily install side bearings without shims. Support opposite end of differential cage to prevent bearing damage.
6. Install pinion bearing races and pinion bearings. Rotate bearings to ensure they are seated properly. Install Pilot (J-21777-42), Preload Stud (J-23597-9), and Gauge Plate (J-23597-7). Tighten preload stud nut to 17 ft. lbs. (23 N.m) for new bearings, or 97 INCH lbs. (11 N.m) for used bearings. (Scheme 6)
7. Clean side bearing bores. Assemble Discs (J-23597-8) and Arbor (J-23597-1). Install assembly into side bearing bores. Install and tighten bearing caps to 72 ft. lbs. (98 N.m). Set dial indicator to zero. Install dial indicator onto arbor post. Position stem on top surface of gauge plate.
8. Move dial indicator downward on arbor stud until needle rotates 1/2 turn clockwise. Tighten dial indicator at that position. Rotate arbor back and forth until dial indicator indicates maximum deflection. Set dial indicator to zero.
9. Repeat procedure to ensure proper setting. Rotate arbor until dial indicator stem does not contact gauge plate. Record dial indicator reading. This reading is nominal pinion shim thickness.
10. Note number marked on gear end of drive pinion. Mark may be a zero, plus (+), or minus (-) number. If mark is zero, pinion is nominal. Combine dial indicator reading and pinion marking to determine proper drive pinion shim thickness to be used. (Scheme 7)
11. Remove bearing caps and pinion depth gauging set. Install selected shim pack, with chamfered side toward gear side of pinion. Press rear pinion bearing onto drive pinion. Lubricate bearing.
12. Install drive pinion and NEW collapsible spacer into carrier. Install front pinion bearing. Lubricate pinion oil seal lip with rear axle lubricant. Install oil seal.
13. Install flange onto drive pinion. Lubricate pinion threads. Install NEW pinion nut and washer. Tighten pinion nut to specification. See «PINION PRELOAD SPECIFICATION»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front) table. Rotate pinion to seat bearings.
14. Using an INCH lb. torque wrench, measure drive pinion starting torque. If starting torque is not as specified in «PINION PRELOAD SPECIFICATION»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front) table, adjust pinion nut until preload torque is within specification. DO NOT exceed maximum torque specification. PINION PRELOAD SPECIFICATION Application Nut Torque Ft. Lbs. (N.m) (1) Starting Torque INCH Lbs. (N.m) New Bearing 130-203 (177-275) 6.2-9.7 (.7-1.1) Used Bearing 66-101 (89-137) 3.5-4.4 (.4-.5) (1) Staring torque is initial force required to rotate pinion, measured at flange. NOTE: DO NOT loosen pinion nut to decrease preload. If preload is exceeded, a NEW collapsible spacer must be installed and nut retightened until proper preload is attained.
15. Install differential assembly and side bearing races into axle housing. Insert feeler gauge of sufficient thickness between each bearing race and axle housing to remove all end play. Ensure each feeler gauge extends to bottom of bearing bores. Lock drive pinion in place.
16. Using a dial indicator, measure ring gear backlash. If backlash is not.006" (.155 mm), select feeler gauge thickness on each side to adjust backlash. With zero end play and correct backlash, remove feeler gauges.
17. To determine required thicknesses of shim packs, add.002" (.05 mm) to each feeler gauge thickness. Always use NEW shims. Remove differential assembly. Remove side bearings. Install NEW shim packs. Install side bearings onto differential assembly.
18. Install differential assembly and bearing races into axle housing. Install bearing caps in original locations. Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/differentials-drive-axles/#differentials-axle-shafts-front__torque-specifications).
19. Measure ring gear runout. If runout exceeds.002" (.05 mm), correct by replacing parts. Check gear tooth contact. See «GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS»(/acura/slx/i-1995-1999/remont/drivelineaxles/#gear-tooth-contact-patterns-general-information) article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TROUBLE SHOOTING - BASIC PROCEDURES
• GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS
• DIFFERENTIAL FLUID CAPACITY
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS