* A lug wrench: This is the crucial tool. Make sure it's the correct size for your lug nuts. Honda CRXs typically use a 19mm or 21mm lug wrench, but double-check your owner's manual to be certain. A breaker bar can be helpful if the nuts are very tight.
* Wheel chocks: Essential for safety. Place chocks behind the wheels that *aren't* being worked on to prevent the car from rolling.
* Jack and jack stands: A properly rated jack to lift the car and jack stands to securely support the car's weight. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* (Optional) Impact wrench: This significantly speeds up the process, especially if the nuts are very tight. However, it's not essential.
Procedure:
1. Engage the parking brake: This is crucial for safety.
2. Chock the wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the one you're working on.
3. Jack up the car: Use the jack to lift the car until the wheel is clear of the ground. Consult your owner's manual for the correct jacking points.
4. Secure with jack stands: Once the car is lifted, place jack stands under the vehicle's frame at appropriate points (again, check your owner's manual). Never rely solely on the jack.
5. Remove the wheel: Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Turn them counter-clockwise. It's usually easier to break them loose with the wheel still on the ground (before jacking). Once loosened, fully unscrew them and keep them in a safe place.
6. Remove the wheel: Carefully pull the wheel off the hub.
7. Access the hub nut: The hub nut is typically behind the wheel, on the center of the hub. You might need a socket and a wrench/breaker bar appropriate for the hub nut size. This size varies between CRX models and years, so consult your owner's manual or a repair manual specific to your CRX's year and model.
8. Remove/Tighten the hub nut: Use the correct tool to remove or tighten the hub nut, turning counter-clockwise to remove and clockwise to tighten. If replacing the nut, ensure you use a new one of the correct specification.
9. Reinstall the wheel: Carefully put the wheel back on the hub, aligning the holes with the studs.
10. Tighten the lug nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts, then use the lug wrench to tighten them in a star pattern (opposite nuts tightened alternately) to ensure even pressure. Don't overtighten.
11. Lower the car: Carefully lower the car using the jack.
12. Final tightening: Once the car is on the ground, give the lug nuts a final tightening with the lug wrench.
13. Check tightness: After driving a short distance, recheck the tightness of the lug nuts.
Important Safety Notes:
* Always use jack stands: Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Consult your owner's manual: It contains crucial information about your specific car's jacking points, lug nut size, and other vital details.
* If you're unsure about any step, seek professional help: It's better to be safe than sorry. Working on your car can be dangerous if you're not familiar with the procedures.
Remember that the hub nut is a critical part of your wheel's attachment to the car. Improper handling can lead to serious safety risks. If you lack experience with car maintenance, it's strongly recommended to take your CRX to a qualified mechanic.
