Can't get CV Axle back in

[averageJOEschmo]

I'm stuck trying to get my CV shaft back into the transmission. Similar to what Sluggonaut faced (http://dfkitcar.com/forum/index.php?threads/sluggonauts-extended-track-364-2007-ss-sc-turbo-donor.3140/post-73055), I'm stuck in no man's land, where it won't go in any further but I can't get it out either. I tried what worked for him, but I just can't get mine to slide in the rest of the way. Any suggestions?

 

[Gtstorey]

Bigger pry bar and give it good bump to pop it out.

 

[ncgoblin]

I'm stuck trying to get my CV shaft back into the transmission. Similar to what Sluggonaut faced (http://dfkitcar.com/forum/index.php?threads/sluggonauts-extended-track-364-2007-ss-sc-turbo-donor.3140/post-73055), I'm stuck in no man's land, where it won't go in any further but I can't get it out either. I tried what worked for him, but I just can't get mine to slide in the rest of the way. Any suggestions?
View attachment 41074

slide hammmer rental or buy one they are handy.

Amazon.com

 

[Sluggonaut]

I think a slide hammer for less than $50 is worth every penny. I've used it a few times since using it on the Goblin.

Try turning the axle while pushing/pulling on it in its current state. When mine got stuck, the rotating action is what would get it to move in/out.

 

[averageJOEschmo]

Thanks guys, I'll give these a try.

 

[Ross]

Lonny used a 4 or 5' long pry bar and pushed against the wheel. Pop! It went in.

 

[Robinjo]

My passenger side goes in/out with a little bit of force (as it should). My drivers side is always a PITA to get out and in. I've tried swapping them, same things happens so it's something with the transmission for me.

 

[Ross]

Any seen metal transfer going on?

That video was made thinking the axle was in far enough, but it fell out within a week. Lonny fixed it with the pry bar method.

 

[averageJOEschmo]

Any seen metal transfer going on?

That video was made thinking the axle was in far enough, but it fell out within a week. Lonny fixed it with the pry bar method.

A year and a half later and I'm finally back to this project. I'm about to order an axle slide hammer, but I wanted to understand more about the "Lonny pry bar method".
I scoured through your excellent build log, but couldn't find the method other than the mention of it. Can you describe it in a little more detail? I'm trying to understand where to place the pry bar to apply pressure to push it in without messing up the boot.

 

[Ross]

Lonny used a pry bar to install my new axles in the transaxle. He used the rear tire, and a long pry bar to push the axle in. He may have used a block of wood as a spacer... it has been too long for my memory. I think Lonny pushed against the rubber boot.

I was able to "borrow" an axle slide hammer from the local auto part supply store. After I returned the tool, they gave me all my deposit money back.
I used it to push against the rubber boot to install the axels. It spreads the pressure against more rubber, so less chance of cutting the rubber.

 

[averageJOEschmo]

Thanks @Ross!
I've been nervous to put too much pressure on the boot for fear of damaging it. Distributing the load makes sense. If Lonny is ok pressing against it then I have more confidence doing it.

I'll give it a shot in the next few days and see how it goes.

 

[WA08TC]

I ended up straddling the axle and swinging a rubber hammer against the end of the axle. Good 20 seconds and it was in.

 

[duthehustle93]

I ended up straddling the axle and swinging a rubber hammer against the end of the axle. Good 20 seconds and it was in.

Same here. Also, I don't know if there's truth to it, but I've always oriented the retention ring with the open side pointing up. I think it helps prevent the retention ring getting caught. A few factory service manuals for other cars call this out when installing CV axles.

 

[Ross]

I have a spare axle that the splines were not manufactured correctly... so it isn't going to fit.
Maybe try to check the fit by removing the retention ring, and see if the splines will slide.

 

[Scott #321]

Same here. Also, I don't know if there's truth to it, but I've always oriented the retention ring with the open side pointing up. I think it helps prevent the retention ring getting caught. A few factory service manuals for other cars call this out when installing CV axles.

Another trick expecially with new axles/retaining clips is the put just a small amount of grease on the clip to hold it centered during the install.

 

[D&dgoblin69]

What I do to get new axle in is first make sure the shaft is aligned by putting some pressure on shaft and turn it if the other axle turns you know your splines are aligned. Then I grab the axle a few times and slam it collapsing the axle gap should feel and hear a thud like it’s solid. If that doesn’t work a wood block on end of axle and hammer the wood block. It will go in don’t be scared.