Rep Power: 0

Hey, I have a 2008 Honda Civic LX sedan, automatic transmission,101,000 miles. I have some clicking and need to change my CV axles. Besides purchasing new CV axles, are there any seals or gaskets or grease that I also need to purchase? The videos I've watched online just show removing the old CV axle and replacing with a new one. But my main question is, what are some reliable aftermarket brands? I'm on RockAuto and there are a few brands on there for cv axles: (Cardone, APWI, GSP, SURTRACK/TRACKMOTIVE) I understand that you get what you pay for. Are there any trusted brands that are a little more inexpensive? Thanks in advance.

 
Rep Power: 222

I've heard bad things about Cardone. Buy new axle seals and axle nuts. Antiseize on the splines that go into the hub, and a bottle of trans fluid because you will lose some pulling the axle

 
Rep Power: 518

Aftermarket is almost always a crapshoot.

Little while ago I had a 03ish crv in my bay,
One of the issues I noted was cv boots on both front axles split wide open and throwing grease out.
Job sold to the customer.....and they got me a pair of NEW aftermarket front axles.
Low price of course.
Because axles from honda are 'too expensive'.

Install went smooth.
BUT they had problems right out of the box.
New axles caused a horrible shake during acceleration....shook like a dog trying to poop broken glass.
Warranty from the parts store so they send out another set. Ok.
Ordered a second pair of new aftermarket front axles from the same parts store. Received. Installed.
Guess what.
Yep, they caused shakes.... like michael j fox.
axles from honda are 'too expensive'

Two sets of low price axles already and they both caused shakes.
Can't get axles from honda because price. The bid or quote was figured with the low price units.
Now the concern at the desk is profit margin. Not like just fix the car, but fixing it without exceeding the price quoted.
Two sets axles
Plus paying me for my labor every time i replace an axle. And I can replace those axles as many times as they want, as long as they pay me.
Shall we order 2 or 3 more sets of the same again?

axles from honda are 'too expensive',
What's the COST of that LOW PRICE now?

The original axles didn't cause shakes or popping noises, so my solution was to order a set of honda CV boots and re-booted the original axles... And relubed the cv joints.
Drove smoooth again. No shakes.

 
Rep Power: 99

I can only share my experience with CARDONE axles:

Two years ago, I replaced my wheels bearings. Noticed one of the inner joints on an axle had some play...decided to replace both axles. I purchased Cardone axles from RA.

I always inspect the parts I receive thoroughly in case there are issues. I found no problems with the CARDONE axles. The boots were pretty thick, shafts were straight/true, joints felt good, the splines & threads looked great, and the lengths were good. Installation of the parts presented no problems as far as I remember.

As stated above, that was two years ago. I recently replaced my ball joints and had a chance to look at the axles again. I noticed no problems at all. Sure, the shafts are rusty but that's to be expected in WI. There was a little grime on the boots I wiped off, but no tears or obvious wear. They looked pretty damn good to me.

So the point is, I'm happy with their performance and I'd recommend them based on my experience.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks guys! Is there a seal at the backside of the wheel bearing AND where the axle meets the transmission? Also, right now there is moisture where the passenger side cv axle meets the transmission. Is that probably due to a bad seal? Is that most likely transmission fluid? I'll include photos...
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Passenger side cv axle into transmission

 
Rep Power: 99

YES, there are seals where the axles meet the trans.

NO, there are no seals behind the wheel bearings where the axles fit into the hubs. There are flanges/lips at the ends of the axles before the splines that fit into the hubs.

So YES, you may very well have leaking seals at the trans where the axle goes into. When I did my axles I did not have any fluid leakage and the seals were fine. But perhaps I just got lucky. Replace your seals.

However, the moisture in your pictures may also be another leak. I doubt it based on the area of the moisture and that there's no "pooling" of oil anywhere. But if you want to be sure, get a car wash with underbody flush, get underneath the car and wipe everything as clean and dry as possible, and then drive it around for a day or two. Look underneath again afterwards and try to pinpoint the leakage.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks! I'll be sure to get 2 seals (not 4). Should I add anti seize to the splines on both ends of each cv axle?

 
Rep Power: 222

Only to the end that goes to the hub, the end in the trans will have trans fluid all over it

 
Rep Power: 210

OP...all those axles you listed in your initial post are probably all made at the same factory in China and sold under different brand names.

 
Rep Power: 0

When I put new seals in where the axle enters the transmission, do I need to apply any grease or lubrication to the new seals? Also, is the seal on both sides of the transmission the same exact part? Or is there a driver's side seal and passenger side seal. Anyone know where I can buy the seals? What are the parts numbers? I'm struggling to find anything on Google for 2008 Civic LX automatic transmission sedan. Thanks

 
Rep Power: 222

Try rockauto, or go to the dealer, they're pretty cheap from the dealer. Give the seals a swipe with some new transmission fluid