Content .. 427 428 429 430 ..

Acura RL. Manual - part 429

Fig. 2: Identifying Driveline/Axle Components Location
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

DRIVESHAFT INSPECTION

1. Check the inboard boot (A) and the outboard boot (B) on the driveshaft (C) for cracks, damage,

leaking grease, and loose boot bands (D). If any damage is found, replace the boot and boot bands.

Fig. 3: Identifying Driveshaft Components Location
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2. Turn the driveshaft by hand, and make sure the splines (E) and joint are not excessively loose.

3. Make sure the driveshaft is not twisted, bent, or cracked; if it is, replace it.

FRONT DRIVESHAFT REMOVAL

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Driveline/Axle - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:01:08 PM

Page 2

1. Raise the vehicle on a lift (see LIFT AND SUPPORT POINTS ).

2. Remove the wheel nuts and front wheels.

Fig. 4: Identifying Locking Tab And Spindle Nut
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Lift up the locking tab (A) on the spindle nut (B), then remove the nut.

4. If you need to remove the left driveshaft, drain the automatic transmission fluid, then reinstall the

drain plug using a new washer (see ATF REPLACEMENT ). It is not necessary to drain the
automatic transmission fluid when the right driveshaft is removed.

5. Hold the stabilizer ball joint pin (A) with a hex wrench (B), and remove the flange nut (C). Separate

the front stabilizer link (D) from the lower arm.

Fig. 5: Identifying Stabilizer Ball Joint Pin, Hex Wrench, Flange Nut And Front Stabilizer Link
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

6. Remove the self-locking nut (A), 12 mm flange bolt (B), and 10 mm pinch bolt (C), then remove the

damper fork (D).

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Driveline/Axle - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:01:08 PM

Page 3

Fig. 6: Identifying Self-Locking Nut, Flange Bolt, Pinch Bolt And Damper Fork
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

7. Remove the knuckle holder bolt (A) and nut (B).

Fig. 7: Identifying Knuckle Holder Bolt And Nut
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

8. Pull the knuckle outward, and remove the outboard joint from the front wheel hub using a plastic

hammer.

Fig. 8: Removing Outboard Joint Using A Plastic Hammer After Pulling Knuckle Outward

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Driveline/Axle - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:01:08 PM

Page 4

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

9. Remove exhaust pipe A (see step 5 under TRANSFER ASSEMBLY REMOVAL , also refer to

EXHAUST PIPE AND MUFFLER REPLACEMENT ).

10. Left driveshaft: Pry the inboard joint (A) from the differential case with a prybar. Right driveshaft:

Drive the inboard joint (B) off of the intermediate shaft with a drift and hammer. Remove the
driveshaft as an assembly. Do not pull on the driveshaft (C), because the inboard joint may come
apart. Pull the driveshaft straight out to avoid damaging the oil seal.

Left driveshaft

Fig. 9: Identifying Inboard Joint (Left Driveshaft)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Right driveshaft

Fig. 10: Identifying Inboard Joint And Driveshaft (Right Driveshaft)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

FRONT DRIVESHAFT DISASSEMBLY

Special Tools Required



Threaded adapter, 26 x 1.5 mm 07XAC-001030A



Slide hammer, 5/8" x 18 UNF, commercially available

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 DRIVELINE/AXLES Driveline/Axle - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:01:08 PM

Page 5

Content .. 427 428 429 430 ..