The front drivetrain of a Honda Pilot uses half shafts to turn the wheels when the four-wheel drive system is engaged. These half shafts have boots on the end of them to protect the CV joints which allow the half shafts to turn and articulate as well. When one of these boots tears or the CV joint needs service, then the entire half shaft assembly has to be removed. If the right side half shaft on your Honda Pilot needs to be removed, then you can do so in about an hour.
Lift the front of the Honda Pilot using a floor jack. Place jack stands beneath the frame and then take off the wheels with the tire iron.
Unbolt the center bolt on the rotor using the 1/2-inch breaker bar and a socket, while holding the front wheel lugs steady using the 36-inch pry bar.
Unbolt the sway bar end link from the lower control arm with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Unbolt the lower ball joint from the lower control arm and then pull the spindle out of the lower control arm with both hands.
Use the pry bar to pop the inner portion on the half shaft from the transmission. Tap the center of the stub on the axle with the plastic hammer until it comes out of the wheel hub. Pull the half shaft away from the Honda.
