The transmission on a 1997 Acura TL connects to the wheels via a pair of axles, also called halfshafts. These axles have boots on each end to protect the internal bearings. If the boots break, then the bearings can foul, and the axles will have trouble doing their job. One way to fix the axles and/or the bearings is to remove the entire assembly from the vehicle to replace or repair them.
Remove the center cap on the two front wheels by hand. Remove the staked pocket (this looks like a dent in a circular metal panel) on the center axle nut with a chisel and hammer to allow you to remove the nut. Lift the front of the Acura with a jack and support it on jack stands. Take off the lug nuts from the wheels with a tire iron then pull off the wheels.
Place a drain pan underneath the transmission pan between the axles. Remove the drain pan bolt on the transmission pan with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Unbolt the strut from the strut fork with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket then remove the strut fork from the suspension with the 3/8-inch ratchet, socket and an open-end wrench. Unbolt the tie rod end from the knuckle with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket then do the same on the lower control arm. Separate the tie rod from the knuckle and the lower control arm from the knuckle with a ball joint removal tool.
Tap the center of the axle with a plastic mallet while simultaneously pulling the knuckle away from the axle until it's off completely. Pry the axle away from the transmission at its connection to the transmission with a pry bar. Pull the axle out of the transmission and away from the Acura.
