1. Remove the axle shaft.
2. Only the inner hinge can be disassembled. If the outer hinge or casing fails, then to gain access to them, it is necessary to disassemble the inner hinge.
3. Remove the large retaining ring from the inner casing. Then remove the small retaining ring and pull the cover off the hinge.
The casing is filled with molybdenum disulphide lubricant. This is an extremely slippery and dirty substance. Prepare a sufficient amount of rags in advance. It is recommended to wear a work coat.
4. Carefully remove the inner hinge end cap. Inspect it for cracks, wear and damage. Inspect the inside surface for wear.
5. Remove the non-reusable circlip from the end of the axle shaft. This will allow you to remove the cross.
6. Mark the positions of the rollers, cross and axle limiter so that all parts can be assembled in the same way. Remove all rollers from the cross.
7. Remove the second circlip from the shaft. Remove the hinge cover. On 1988-91 Prelude models. and Accord 1990-91 the dynamic shock absorber must also be removed from the shaft.
8. If it is necessary to replace the outer hinge cover, first remove the cover clips and then pull the cover off the hinge and then off the shaft. While holding the outer pivot, rotate the end of the shaft. Listen for noises from bad bearings inside the joint. If the hinge is noisy, then it should be replaced. New joints already have a new shaft assembled, so the inner joint must be fitted onto the new shaft when replacing.
9. Clean and inspect all individual parts. If there is any sign of wear, the part should be replaced.
For installation:
10. Completely fill the outer and inner joints with molybdenum grease. Use only molybdenum disulphide grease as other lubricants will not withstand the load. Before installing the shrouds, wrap the shaft grooves with vinyl or duct tape to protect the shrouds.
11. Pull the casing of the outer hinge onto the shaft and then onto the hinge. Do not rush to put on the fixing rings.
12. Pull the inner hinge cover onto the shaft. Install the dynamic shock absorber, if removed.
13. Slide the inner circlip onto the shaft. Put the rollers and bearing races on the axis of the crosspiece. Holding the shaft vertically, insert the spider assembly into the inner pivot. Install the outer retaining ring.
14. Put covers on both hinges. Replace the narrow end of the casing. The retaining ring of the casing should be centered between the positioning tabs on the shaft. Install the retaining ring. Bend both sets of fixing clips. Once the ring is in place, expand and contract the shrouds one or two times and release to return to their normal size and length.
15. Adjust the length of the drive shaft according to the instructions below. After setting the shaft to the correct length, adjust the shroud size midway between its fully extended and fully compressed positions. Correct shaft lengths:
- 1984-85 Accord: right - 496-500.5 mm, left - 779-783.5 mm for manual transmission and 787-791.5 mm for automatic.
- 1986-89 Accord: right - 506-510.5 mm, left - 805-809.5 mm for manual transmission and 812-816.5 mm for automatic.
- 1984-87 Prelude, with carburetor: right - 514-518.5 mm, left - 800-804.5 mm for manual transmission and 809-813.5 mm for automatic.
- 1984-87 Prelude, with injector: right - 506-510.5 mm, left - 805-809.5 mm for manual transmission and 812-816.5 mm for automatic.
- 1988-91 Prelude: 496mm left and right shafts.
- 4990-91 Accord, manual transmission: left and right shaft 478.7-483.7 mm each.
- 1990-91 Accord, automatic transmission: left - 836.7-841.7 mm, right - 478.7-483.7 mm.
16. Install new retaining rings from the wide ends of the shrouds. Don't forget to bend both sets of fixing clips. To decrease the height, lightly pat the rings where the raised edges are. It is not allowed to hit the casing.
17. Install the dynamic shock absorber at a distance of 3-7 mm from the casing. Install the new retaining ring in the same way.
18. Install a new spring clip from the inner end of the hinge; install the drive shaft.