Question About Installing Driver's Side CV Axle Driveshaft

[benpineapple]

I'm working on replacing both front driveshafts on my '06 V50 T5 (FWD), and am having problems with the driver's side cv axle. The end of it that inserts into the transmission has a very heavy duty circlip on it, I'm guessing to keep it from falling out of the transmission. I cannot get the driveshaft to go into the transmission for the life of me. I'm guessing I need to hammer it in, but I thought I'd see if anyone here has some tips for getting it in. I'm nervous about pounding it in, wouldn't want to damage the splines that go into the wheel hub; should I use a dead blow hammer? Different kind of hammer? I feel like a dead blow wouldn't deliver enough force.

With flexible working from home, I've been able to leave the V50 on jacks for a few weeks while I take care of some long overdue fixes. Also replacing both front wheel hub bearings, front shocks/struts, stabilizer end links, list goes on. Hoping to get it rolling vibration-free before winter hits the midwest.

Let me know if you have any questions or need more specifics.

[benpineapple]

Update: I figured it out.

After not being able to install it, and doing some research, I found this is a common issue with aftermarket driveshafts that have retaining C-clips on them to keep them from "falling out" of the transmission. A lot of times the C-clips are slightly too large, perhaps stretched out from factory install.

Solution: I used some vise grips to collapse the clip, and then heated it up using a blow torch until parts of the clip got red hot. I allowed it to cool for about 5 minutes, removed the vice grips and was able to install the driveshaft with a couple blows from a dead blow hammer.

Some people are able to shrink the clip enough just by clamping it down a few times, but that didn't work for me. I did have to re-heat once because after the first heat/clamp, it still wouldn't go into the transmission. Hope this helps someone else who got stuck on the same issue!