How do you replace cv joints in a 1989 Honda civic?

Answer 1

The easiest way to replace them is to replace the axles. If you are not mechanically inclined you should see a mechanic if you are so adept here are the steps:

1. put the front of the car up on jack stands and block the rear wheels

2. remove both front wheels or the wheel of the damaged side

3. look in the center of the brake rotor, see the nut that looks like a castle with a pin through the bolt its on? that has to come off, remove the pin and nut but don't damage the pin you will reuse it, if it brakes you can get them at an auto parts store

4. you have to remove the lower steering control arm it will be towards the back of the car attached to the spindle, it will have a nut facing up, remove the nut and gently tap the arm down to get it lose

5. look directly beneath the rotor there will be another nut, this one hold the spindle (what holds the rotor) to the lower control arm, remove it

6. now you should be able to move the lower control arm down and swing the spindle out towards you to pull the axle out the back of the spindle

7. now using a long screwdriver or pry bar follow the axle to the transmission where it meets the transmission there is a boot and a cylindrical cup where it meets the transmission use the pry bar between the cup and the transmission to pop the axle out of the transmission

8. get a new axle and reverse the steps for reinstallation however be sure that when you are putting the new axle in that you don't pull it long ways there is a slip joint inside the cup end and if you pull it too far the bearings inside might come lose.

Hope this helps but be sure to be careful and take your time.