2017 Honda Civic Cv Axle Replacement – Conquer Clicks & Get Back

Hear a rhythmic clicking when you turn? Feel an unsettling vibration when you accelerate? For many 2017 Honda Civic owners, these aren’t just annoying noises – they’re often the tell-tale signs of a failing CV (Constant Velocity) axle. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road, potentially leaving you stranded or compromising your vehicle’s safety.

But here’s the good news: a 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement is a job many dedicated DIYers can tackle with the right tools, a bit of patience, and expert guidance. At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in empowering you to understand and maintain your vehicle, whether it’s for daily commutes or getting ready for your next adventure. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from diagnosing the problem to performing the replacement, ensuring your Civic returns to its smooth-riding glory.

We’ll cover how to diagnose those pesky clicks, what tools and parts you’ll need, a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough, and crucial pro tips to make your 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement a success. Get ready to save some cash, gain invaluable mechanical skills, and ensure your ride is safe and sound!

Table of Contents

Understanding Your 2017 Honda Civic CV Axle: Why It Matters

The CV axle is a critical component of your Honda Civic’s drivetrain, responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing for the up-and-down motion of the suspension and steering. Essentially, it keeps your wheels spinning and your car moving smoothly, especially through turns and over bumps.

Each front wheel of your front-wheel-drive 2017 Honda Civic has its own CV axle. These axles have joints on both ends, protected by rubber “boots” filled with grease. Over time, these boots can tear, allowing dirt, water, and debris to get in, and the essential grease to escape. Once that happens, the CV joint wears rapidly, leading to the symptoms you might be experiencing.

A timely 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement isn’t just about silencing annoying noises; it’s about restoring your vehicle’s performance and safety. Ignoring a failing axle can lead to complete joint failure, which means your car won’t move, or worse, the axle could separate at speed, causing a dangerous loss of control. The benefits of a 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement include restored quiet operation, elimination of vibrations, improved handling, and peace of mind.

Is Your CV Axle Really the Culprit? Diagnosing Common Problems

Before you dive into a repair, it’s crucial to confirm that the CV axle is indeed the source of your woes. Many symptoms can mimic a failing CV axle, so a thorough diagnosis is key. This section will help you identify the tell-tale signs and rule out other potential issues.

The Tell-Tale Signs of a Bad Axle

Pay close attention to these common indicators:

Clicking Noises: This is the most classic symptom. You’ll typically hear a loud, rhythmic clicking or popping sound, especially when turning (either left or right) at slow speeds or when accelerating from a stop while turning. The louder the clicks, the worse the joint.
Vibration During Acceleration: If you feel a noticeable vibration through the steering wheel, floorboard, or even the seats when you accelerate, especially at highway speeds, it could indicate a failing inner CV joint. This often feels like driving over rumble strips.
Grease on Wheel or Tire: Visually inspect the inside of your wheels and tires, as well as the surrounding suspension components. If you see grease splattered, it’s a clear sign of a torn CV boot. Even if you don’t hear noises yet, a torn boot means the joint is compromised and will eventually fail.
Clunking Noise When Shifting: Less common, but a worn inner CV joint can sometimes cause a clunking sensation when shifting from drive to reverse, or vice versa.

Ruling Out Other Issues

It’s important to differentiate CV axle problems from other suspension or drivetrain issues. Here’s what else to consider:

Wheel Bearings: A bad wheel bearing typically produces a humming or grinding noise that gets louder with speed and changes pitch when turning, but it’s usually a continuous hum, not a distinct click.
Tie Rod Ends/Ball Joints: Worn steering or suspension components can cause clunking, looseness in the steering, or uneven tire wear. These often present as more of a general looseness rather than specific clicking during turns.
Tire Imbalance/Worn Tires: Unbalanced tires or severely worn tires can cause vibrations, but these are usually constant and not specifically tied to acceleration or turning in the same way CV axle vibrations are.

A thorough visual inspection is your best friend. Get your 2017 Honda Civic safely on jack stands and visually inspect both CV axles. Look for torn boots, grease leaks, or excessive play in the joints. This diagnosis is the first step in a successful 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement guide.

Gearing Up: Tools and Parts for Your 2017 Honda Civic CV Axle Replacement

Preparation is key to any successful DIY project. Having all your tools and parts laid out beforehand will save you time, frustration, and multiple trips to the auto parts store. This section covers everything you’ll need for your 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement.

Essential Tools List

Gather these tools before you begin. Quality tools make the job safer and easier:

Safety Gear: Safety glasses, gloves, sturdy work boots.
Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting and supporting your vehicle. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
Wheel Chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Lug Nut Wrench/Breaker Bar: To loosen wheel lug nuts.
Socket Set: Metric sizes, including deep sockets. You’ll need sizes for lug nuts, suspension bolts, and the axle nut.
Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening fasteners to manufacturer specifications, especially the axle nut and lug nuts.
Breaker Bar: For the stubborn axle nut and other tight bolts.
Pry Bar: For separating the lower control arm and prying the axle out of the transmission.
Flathead Screwdriver/Chisel: For unstaking the axle nut.
Hammer/Mallet: For persuasion, if needed.
Wire Brush: To clean threads.
Penetrating Oil (e.g., WD-40, PB Blaster): For rusted or seized bolts.
Drain Pan: To catch any transmission fluid that might leak.
Transmission Fluid (Honda DW-1): Have some on hand to top off if needed.
Shop Rags/Paper Towels: For cleaning up grease and spills.
Zip Ties/Wire: To support components if needed.

Selecting the Right Replacement Axle

Choosing the right part is crucial for the longevity and performance of your Honda Civic. You’ll need an axle specific to your 2017 model, and likely specific to the driver or passenger side.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are generally the highest quality, but also the most expensive. Aftermarket axles offer a range of quality and price points. For a daily driver or light off-roading, a reputable aftermarket brand (e.g., GSP, Cardone, ACDelco) can be a good choice.
New vs. Remanufactured: New axles offer fresh components. Remanufactured axles use cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt original cores. A good quality remanufactured axle can be a reliable and more affordable option, often aligning with a more sustainable 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement approach by reducing waste.
Quality Considerations: Look for axles with durable boots and high-quality grease. Read reviews. Cheap axles might save money upfront but can lead to premature failure.
Part Numbers: Always verify the correct part number for your specific 2017 Honda Civic (engine size, transmission type) before purchasing.

Safety First: Your Workshop Checklist

Safety cannot be overstated when working on your vehicle. Follow these guidelines:

Always work on a flat, level surface.
Use sturdy jack stands to support the vehicle after lifting. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack.
Chock the wheels that remain on the ground to prevent movement.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses and gloves.
Ensure adequate ventilation if working with chemicals.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
If you encounter a situation beyond your comfort or skill level, don’t hesitate to call a professional.

Step-by-Step: How to Perform a 2017 Honda Civic CV Axle Replacement

This is the core of your DIY project. Follow these detailed steps for a successful 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement. We’ll focus on the front axle, which is typically the one that fails first.

Preparation & Lifting the Vehicle

Park Safely: Park your Honda Civic on a flat, level concrete surface. Engage the parking brake firmly.
Chock Rear Wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent any accidental rolling.
Loosen Lug Nuts: Use your lug nut wrench or breaker bar to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on. Don’t remove them yet.
Unstake and Loosen Axle Nut: Remove the center cap on the wheel to expose the axle nut. Use a flathead screwdriver or chisel to unstake (flatten out) the dimple on the axle nut that locks it in place. Then, use your breaker bar and appropriate socket (typically 32mm or 36mm) to loosen the axle nut. This nut is usually very tight; it’s easier to loosen it with the car on the ground.
Lift and Secure: Place your jack under a sturdy frame point near the wheel you’re working on. Lift the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground. Place jack stands securely under designated support points on the frame or subframe. Slowly lower the jack until the vehicle rests entirely on the jack stands.
Remove Wheel: Fully remove the lug nuts and then pull the wheel off.

Disconnecting Suspension Components

To gain enough clearance to remove the old axle and install the new one, you’ll need to disconnect some suspension components. The exact components can vary slightly, but here’s a common approach:

Separate the Ball Joint: You’ll usually need to separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin and castle nut. Use a ball joint separator tool or a large hammer to tap the side of the knuckle where the ball joint stud passes through. Be careful not to damage the ball joint boot if you plan to reuse it.
Disconnect Tie Rod End (Optional): In some cases, you might need to disconnect the outer tie rod end for extra clearance. Again, remove the cotter pin and nut, then use a tie rod separator or hammer to free it.
Support the Knuckle: Once the ball joint is separated, the steering knuckle will be free to swing. Support it carefully with a wire or zip tie to the coil spring or another sturdy component to prevent excessive strain on the brake hose or other connections.

Removing the Old CV Axle

With the suspension components out of the way, you can now remove the old axle.

Push Axle Out of Hub: With the steering knuckle free, you should be able to push the outer end of the CV axle shaft through the wheel hub. It might require a few taps with a hammer on the end of the axle shaft (use a brass punch or a block of wood to protect the threads).
Pry Axle from Transmission: Position a drain pan underneath the transmission where the inner CV joint enters. Use a pry bar between the inner CV joint housing and the transmission case. Apply steady, firm pressure to pop the axle out of the transmission. Be prepared for a small amount of transmission fluid to leak out.
Remove Old Axle: Once it’s free, carefully pull the entire axle assembly out of the wheel well.

Installing the New CV Axle

This is essentially the reverse of removal, but with extra care.

Clean and Inspect: Clean any debris from the transmission opening. Inspect the transmission seal for damage. If it looks compromised, it’s a good idea to replace it now.
Insert Inner Joint: Carefully align the splines of the new inner CV joint with the splines in the transmission. Push firmly until you feel it seat and lock into place. You might hear a “click” as the retaining clip engages. Do NOT hammer the inner joint into the transmission, as this can damage the seal or the internal components.
Insert Outer Joint into Hub: Guide the outer splined end of the new CV axle through the wheel hub. You might need to gently pull the steering knuckle outwards to align it.
Reassemble Suspension: Reconnect the lower ball joint and tie rod end (if disconnected). Install their nuts and new cotter pins. Ensure everything is properly seated.
Install New Axle Nut: Thread on the *new* axle nut. Never reuse the old axle nut, as it’s designed to be staked once. Tighten it hand-tight for now.

Final Steps & Double Checks

Reinstall Wheel: Mount the wheel back onto the hub, hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower Vehicle: Raise the vehicle slightly with the jack to remove the jack stands. Slowly lower the vehicle until the wheel is just touching the ground.
Torque Axle Nut: With the vehicle partially on the ground (or fully on the ground if you have a helper apply the brakes), use your torque wrench to tighten the axle nut to the manufacturer’s specified torque (consult your Civic’s service manual or an online resource – it’s typically very high, around 180-200 ft-lbs).
Stake Axle Nut: Once torqued, use a punch and hammer to stake the axle nut into the groove on the axle shaft, preventing it from backing off.
Torque Lug Nuts: Lower the vehicle completely. Torque the lug nuts to factory specifications (usually around 80 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.
Check Fluid: Check your transmission fluid level. Top off with Honda DW-1 fluid if any was lost.
Test Drive: Take your 2017 Honda Civic for a gentle test drive. Listen for any unusual noises, feel for vibrations, and ensure steering and braking feel normal. Start slowly and gradually increase speed.

Pro Tips & Best Practices for a Seamless Replacement

Even with a detailed guide, a few extra insights can make your 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement even smoother and help extend the life of your new part. These are the “pro” tips we’ve learned over countless hours in the garage and on the trail.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Don’t Damage Seals: When prying the axle from the transmission, be careful not to damage the transmission seal. A damaged seal will lead to leaks and further problems. If it looks worn, replace it while the axle is out.
Protect Threads: When hammering the outer axle shaft to separate it from the hub, always place a brass punch or a sacrificial nut on the end of the shaft to protect the threads.
Don’t Over-torque or Under-torque: The axle nut and other suspension fasteners are critical. Use a torque wrench for all specified values. Under-torquing can lead to loose components; over-torquing can strip threads or damage parts.
Keep it Clean: Dirt and grit are enemies of new joints and seals. Keep your workspace and new parts as clean as possible.
Proper Vehicle Support: We can’t say it enough: never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Use quality jack stands on solid ground.

Extending Your New CV Axle’s Life (2017 Honda Civic CV Axle Replacement Care Guide)

Once you’ve installed your new axle, a little care can go a long way in ensuring it lasts.

Regular Boot Inspection: Periodically, especially during oil changes or tire rotations, take a moment to visually inspect the CV boots. Look for cracks, tears, or signs of grease leakage. Catching a torn boot early can save the joint.
Mindful Driving Habits: Avoid harsh acceleration, especially when turning sharply. Sudden impacts from potholes or curbs can also stress CV joints.
Check Alignment: Any time major suspension components are disconnected or replaced, it’s a good idea to get a wheel alignment. This ensures proper tire wear and handling.
Consider Boot Kits: If you catch a torn boot very early and the joint isn’t contaminated, sometimes just replacing the boot and repacking with fresh grease can extend the life of the original axle. This is a more involved process but can be a sustainable 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement option if the joint is still good.

Considering Eco-Friendly 2017 Honda Civic CV Axle Replacement Options

As responsible DIYers and off-road enthusiasts, we should always consider the environmental impact of our work.

Recycle Old Parts: Many auto parts stores will accept your old CV axle core for recycling. This is a great way to ensure the metal is reused.
Choose Remanufactured: As mentioned, opting for a quality remanufactured axle reduces the demand for new manufacturing and reuses existing components, minimizing waste.
Proper Fluid Disposal: Any leaked transmission fluid or old grease should be collected and disposed of properly at an authorized recycling center. Never pour automotive fluids down the drain or onto the ground.

By following these 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement best practices, you’ll not only complete the job successfully but also ensure your vehicle runs reliably for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Honda Civic CV Axle Replacement

We’ve covered a lot, but here are some common questions that often pop up when tackling this repair.

How long does a CV axle replacement take?

For an experienced DIYer with the right tools, a single CV axle replacement on a 2017 Honda Civic can typically take 2-4 hours. For a beginner, it might take 4-6 hours or even longer. Patience is key, and rushing can lead to mistakes.

What’s the average cost of a CV axle replacement for a 2017 Honda Civic?

The cost varies. A new aftermarket CV axle can range from $70-$200 per side, while OEM axles can be $300-$500+. If you pay a shop, labor can add another $200-$400 per side, bringing the total to $300-$900+ per axle. Doing it yourself saves significantly on labor.

Can I drive with a bad CV axle?

While you can drive with a bad CV axle, it’s highly unadvisable and potentially dangerous. The clicking will worsen, vibrations will increase, and eventually, the joint could completely fail. If it fails at speed, you could lose control of the vehicle. It’s best to address the issue as soon as symptoms appear.

Do I need to drain transmission fluid?

When you remove the inner CV joint from the transmission, a small amount of transmission fluid will usually leak out. You don’t need to fully drain the transmission, but have a drain pan ready and some fresh Honda DW-1 fluid on hand to top off the transmission fluid level after the replacement.

Should I replace both CV axles at once?

It’s not always necessary to replace both at the same time. If only one axle is showing symptoms, you can replace just that one. However, if your 2017 Honda Civic has high mileage, or if one axle has failed, the other might not be far behind. Inspect both carefully. If the boots on the other side are cracked or torn, replacing both might be a smart preventative measure, especially since you’ll already have the tools out.

Get Your Civic Back in Top Shape!

Tackling a 2017 Honda Civic CV axle replacement might seem daunting at first, but with this detailed guide, you’re well-equipped to get the job done right. You’ve learned how to diagnose the problem, gather your tools, and execute each step with confidence. Not only will you save a significant amount of money, but you’ll also gain invaluable experience and a deeper understanding of your vehicle.

Remember, safety is always paramount. Take your time, double-check your work, and don’t hesitate to consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific torque specifications. Once those clicks and vibrations are gone, you’ll appreciate the smooth, reliable ride of your Honda Civic even more.

Whether you’re cruising city streets or hitting the dirt trails, a well-maintained vehicle is a happy vehicle. So, grab your tools, get to work, and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. Stay safe and happy wrenching!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.