Axle shaft stuck in transmission housing

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 16 Jul 2020, 12:06

Greetings all,
I finally figured out where the extra humming from the front end driver's side was originating...the axle!
You'll recall that I recently changed the control arms on both front sides and that seemed to eliminate the humming noise coming from the front end. Initially, I thought it was the tires on the front end. I had those changed, but the hum was still noticeable. With the control arm replacement, more of the humming was eliminated. But, now when I drive the car, it has been sounding like I've been driving over those grooved sections some roads have on each right side to wake you up before going off the road. I thought of changing the tires again, and pulling a wheel bearing from the PNP, but yesterday put all four wheels in the air. Started the car and put her in drive, the noise started right away, and when I looked under the axle the shaft going to the CV boot was wobbling. Then I noticed the part of the shaft that enters the transmission housing was very wobbly.
Today, I've been trying to remove the axle so I could inspect both boots (thinking that maybe the grease in one of the boots or both - inner and outer - was dried), but the part of the axle shaft that enters the transmission housing just won't come out. Of course, there is next to no room to apply leverage. After a few doses of PB blaster, the shaft is beginning to come out. At least I can see the shiny silver of the shaft that enters the tranny. But, now it just won't budge.
Any suggestions?

Appreciate any and all suggestions!!

Post by **erikv11** » 16 Jul 2020, 12:25

Have you tried "the chisel method" on this?

Basically use a 5/8 chisel, tap it straight up into the space between the CV and trans, use like a 5 pound hammer. If that doesn't do it, once the chisel is "in" then put a socket on the chisel and rotate it to pop it out. This is a super easy and very effective method.

If the gap is already too big for the chisel, use a tapered wood block, works the same way.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 16 Jul 2020, 12:29

Thank you for replying so quickly, erikv11!!!
I'll try both methods and hope that one of them works on this axle shaft!!

Post by **abscate** » 16 Jul 2020, 14:24

The axle is held in with a circlip that has to squeeze to be released. It’s definitely a bit of a shock motion that helps to pop it out.

I owe you an email , too, K...sorry

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 16 Jul 2020, 15:37

Unfortunately, neither method worked for me. Should I try to re-seat that part of the axle into the housing?
I was only able to get it about 1/8" out. Enough to see the shiny silver shaft that sits inside the housing!
Any other ideas? Appreciate your help!

Post by **erikv11** » 16 Jul 2020, 16:19

This is sounding like a stuck one, hmmmm not good!

In line with abscate's comment that is takes some shock to pop it out, I think you have a good idea, I would indeed tap it back in and try again with the tapered wedge from the start. Maybe rotate it a bit before you try again. Can you tap it back in pretty easily now?

Post by **scot850** » 16 Jul 2020, 17:28

+1 on this. If this is not an original Volvo axle, the clips on some of the aftermarket ones are either too big or small. Too small the axle will pop out by itself, too large and it is a bugger to get out.

Hopefully tapping it back in and trying again will work.

Good Luck!

Neil.

Post by **FLXC90** » 16 Jul 2020, 17:43

+ another one. The 5/8 chisel has the perfect ramp to it. straight up underneath its a PITA to hold it and smack, and rotating about 120 degrees try again rotate try. Your initial tug probably butted the snap ring against the land in the trans housing, pushing it back in will allow the rapid motion as the chisel wedges in there to "pop" it out.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 16 Jul 2020, 18:00

Thanks everyone for all your replies and suggestions!
I did tap the end of the shaft back into the transmission housing, then got a heavy duty chisel in between the shaft and the housing. Indeed, it is/was a pain to tap the chisel but managed it somehow. There was some movement, so I kept tapping the chisel and low and behold, it came out! OMG, been working on this thing all day!
The cir clip is about an inch in diameter, maybe less. It did not seem damaged, and I did not see any metal parts inside the shaft hole. I can't tell if it's a Volvo part or an aftermarket.
Now, I can re-attach the inner boot, put the clamp back on, and see how it all fits. It looks like the axle was not fully seated. Will try to carefully re-insert the shaft and make sure it goes in a bit further than it was previously. Stay tuned!!

Post by **abscate** » 16 Jul 2020, 20:16

K, I’ve got a place near port Leyden , is that close to your North Countrylocationor are you back in SYR AREA?