Hello all,

Let me preface this by saying I'm a total noob when it comes to car mechanics. Sorry if I sound like a fifth grader, that's basically my level of competence when it comes to this type of work.

I noticed a vibration under acceleration a couple of weeks ago in my '04 Accord EX 6MT that intensified over 40 mph. I was suspecting it could bad mounts or a bad CV axle, so I tested out the mounts (they look bad, but appear to be in fine working order as the movement in the engine was ~1/4"-1/2"). I got underneath the car and saw that the inner joint on my passenger axle was spraying grease all over. I decided I wanted to take the job on myself as I'm trying to get more into DIY stuff for my vehicles, ordered the parts, and they just got in last night.

I got everything broken down to the point where I should be able to pry the axle from the intermediate shaft, but I can't seem to break it free. There really isn't anywhere to fit the pry bar into a crevice to get it started, and the thing just will not budge. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to disconnect the axle from the intermediate shaft? A pry bar alone isn't doing the trick.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Also, different subject, but my engine seems to be leaking a bit more oil that I would expect. Mostly from the rear of the engine, also the oil pan has a bit on it. Does anyone have any good/bad experience with stop leak additives? Or would I be better off just tightening the bolts on some seals and seeing if that helps?

 

Surprised not a single person wanted to reply. Perhaps my question really was that foolish.

FYI, in case anyone in the future wants to tackle this task and runs into the same problem as me, I'll post how I did it. Wonderbar (anything you can use as a chisel will do just fine) and a 2-lb hammer, feed the wonderbar over your exhaust from the driver's side, rest it on top of your CV axle, give it a tap or two. That's it.

Btw, I replaced my CV axle with a Cardone. I know a lot of people give them no respect, but mine has held up just fine so far through a couple of tanks.

 

Well, the 2003-current accord sub-forum isn't exactly high traffic like the integra sub-forum or the drag racing sub-forum. That probably accounts for the lack of response you received. As I'm sure you've already discovered, the axle had a c-clip holding it in place. After you over come it, the axle slides out easily. Normally pry bars work well, but from time to time you do have to get creative. Also watch out for axles that are held in via roll pins. You can't just pry them out in the same manner as you would an axles that is only held by a c-clip.

Step back and put down the bottle of stop leak. Stay away from "magical" additives in general. They either do more harm than good or do nothing at all. Where is the oil filter located on your engine? I'm not familiar enough with that year of accord to know off hand. If it's right above your leak it may just be excess oil from when it was last changed that the tech didn't clean off. As far as locating the exact source, start high and work your way down. Un-pressurized oil certainly doesn't flow uphill. Your best bet will be to spray all of the oil off with brake cleaner, drive the car for a few days then get back under it to locate the source. If you have an oil leak then the gasket from which it is leaking needs to be replaced. Unless it has been messed with and improperly torqued by someone in the past, simply trying to tighten it up will not stop the leak.

 

@1998GsRIntegra

Thanks for the response.

My inclination was to stay away from any sort of additive as well, so I'm glad to have that affirmed.

The filter on my Accord is passenger side. Most of the leak that I had been seeing seemed like it was originating either from the oil pan gasket or from somewhere unknown toward the rear of the engine. When I changed out the CV axle, I gave it a good cleaning to get rid of most of the grease, and I have noticed significantly fewer drips since then. My best guess is that most of what I was seeing was just sprayed grease slowly finding its way down the engine and components. I'm only getting 2-4 drips per night when before I was getting a considerable puddle (20-30 drips at least) every night. I think I do have a slightly leaky pan gasket, but I'm not that worried about it at this stage. A few drips a day isn't going to hurt anything.

Again, thanks for the help.

 

Yes, when CV boots break open the grease inside of them gets sprayed everywhere and makes a huge mess. It's good that you took the time to clean it off. It will make your life easier down the road. Replacing a part covered in old caked on axle grease is no fun. Leaking oil pan gaskets are pretty common on Honda's that have some age and mileage on them. I would not be at all surprised if the oil pan gasket on your car is the source of your small oil leak. If it's a few drips here and there I wouldn't worry too much about it. Replace it when you feel up to tackling the job and in the mean time just keep an eye on your oil level. Your rear valve cover gasket could also be leaking. Again, another fairly common problem on older Honda's. If you haven't already, take a peek at it to see if it's leaking. Also not a bad idea to check the trans fluid level from time to time if your car has a trans fluid dip stick.