can't get new axle to snap in! - Honda Prelude Forum

92sleeper · 02-14-2002, 05:39 PM

I just changed my driver's side axle this evening but I can't get the inner part to snap together. I'm afraid if I pound on the corner by putting a piece of wood up to the boot I will rip the boot. The ball joint and the damper fork are completely assembled and I put everything back together and I can still turn the hub and axle by hand with the car in gear. When I look at where the axle joins the shaft that runs out of the tranny it looks like it still needs to seat in another 1/8-1/4 inch. So am I right in assuming that it just needs a shove to snap in place? Please help, this is the first time I've installed an axle and I don't want to mess anything up!

inlinefour · 02-14-2002, 07:55 PM

The axle will sort of click into place when the set ring seats. The axle that goes into the intermediate shaft may "look" like it isn't in the whole way, but it is. It's confusing the first time you do it.

You can tap on the end of the axle with a board to make sure.

JDM Lude · 02-14-2002, 09:40 PM

first of all - HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET THAT SOM***** OUT?!?!?!

I pulled, banged, and pryed until my arms fell off and it wouldn't budge!!!

but there is supposed to be a tiny bit that LOOKS like its supposed to go in, but doesn't. the inner clip will 'click' into place.

92sleeper · 02-15-2002, 05:35 AM

As a test with both front wheels off and the front end completely on jackstands I started the car and let out on the clutch. the driver's side hub just barely turned while the passenger side spun normally. Also i can turn either hub with the car in gear.

LoudLude · 02-15-2002, 10:21 AM

Here is what needs to happen. On your drivers halfshaft, on the innermost (towards tranny) end, there is a ring clip. play with it, get to know it. see how it moves around? thats why its a pita to put it in. now how i did it:

jack the car up, support it with jackstands. lay on your back under the car, and start to slide the shaft in. as you put in into the grooves, it should easily slide in an inch. then you get to the snap ring. gently move the inner cv casing in a circle and wiggle it to try to get that ring smooth all the way around the shaft. when you get it, the shaft will slide in another couple of inches, then click. you shouldnt be able to pull it back out now.
it is properly seated.

one thing to remember. The joints are like babies, never pull on them or they will come apart. thats no good.

hope this helped?

92sleeper · 02-15-2002, 10:42 AM

Ok, well I've got everything back together and i went for a drive. When i turn to the right I get some vibration and a grinding sound. I think maybe the cv joint is defective. I got it at NAPA for 80 bucks. When i called them about it they said they also had one they could get from another manufacturer for $91 so i order it and i guess I'll try it. Oh, yeah and i took the car to a local garage I'm familiar with to inspect my work and see if they could troubleshoot, but they said it was together right and they suspect that it is in fact a bad cv joint. So i'm just going to drive on this one till i get the new one this tuesday or is that a bad idea?

JDMPower · 02-15-2002, 11:12 AM

make sure you hit the axle in. I just put it in by hand and the axle kept poppin out each time I drove it. I thought I had a defective tranny or axle. Kept poppin out for like a month. drove me nuts. Anyways, make sure that it's snapped in place.

ludestarbai · 12-14-2009, 03:20 PM

does it actually SNAP in. or is it just a matter of pushing it in as hard as possible and hoping it stays?

Would it be a good idea to take a hammer to the end of the spline to make sure its pushed in alll the way?

how does it pop out?

Wouldn't the wheel bearing/knuckle keep it in???

trv · 12-15-2009, 03:03 PM

My take on the thing is if you can't pull out the axle, then it's seated properly even though it looks like there's a gap.

ludestarbai · 12-15-2009, 03:17 PM

either way i just took a 5lb hammer and smacked the edge of the boot right next to the transmission i mean just the very tip of it so that it didn't damage the boot in any way
and it knocked right in.

iwhtout that i dont know how long it woulda taken me to shove it in just by pushing.