Axle is stuck:( Topic is solved

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 05 May 2023, 09:30

When I replaced the oil sump gasket and O-ring, I noticed the cv boot was cracked in a few places. I had to remove the axle to replace the outer axle seal- the area was soaked with fluid. I figured I could take care of the boot and seal while the axle was out. It took some time to get the cir-clip to release. But eventually it came free so I could clean everything up and replace the boot. I put the axle back in, and got the cv boot section back into the hub. Tighten everything down and torqued the bolts. After lowering the car, I was anxious to move it, maybe too anxious!
Here’s where things got interesting!
Started the car - that was no problem, just the ticking noise from taking a few days to replace the timing and serpentine belts. When I put the car in reverse, there was a noticeable noise coming from the transmission, like a grinding of metal against metal. I instantly shifted the car back into park and turned it off.
Today I jacked up the car, took the lug nuts and axle nut off, and removed the bolts to the control arm. When under the motor, I noticed the axle was not in as far as it should be and when I tried to push it in or pull it out, nothing happened! It seems to be stuck.
Not sure what to do next. Was thinking of raising the driver’s side of the car and removing the tire. But what do I do next? How can I get the axle freed up on the passenger side?
Appreciate your wisdom! Thanks in advance!

Post by **scot850** » 05 May 2023, 10:10

This is not uncommon, particularly if aftermarket axles are used as the retaining clip is often too square in section and gets jammed either in place or trying to fit. Jimmy57 recommended to ensure the clip gap is facing straight down. Not sure why that would necessarily make a difference, but he has many years of experience so there has to be something to it.

You may have to un-stick it again and try again to seat it. If you have the wheel on but have the control arm disconnected, you can use the weight of the hub and wheel to give you purchase when re-fitting the axle.

Good Luck,

Neil.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 05 May 2023, 10:19

This axle is on the passenger side, so the clip would be in the housing correct? How do I get the axle to move in or out?

Post by **Krons** » 05 May 2023, 10:33

No carrier bearing on this particular year/model? I’m more familiar with P1 & P2s where only the driver side has a circling. Passenger side on those is held in place by the carrier bearing.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 05 May 2023, 10:37

Some pictures:

: IMG_0187.jpeg (755.18 KiB) Viewed 515 times

: IMG_0189.jpeg (823.76 KiB) Viewed 515 times

: IMG_0194.jpeg (817.81 KiB) Viewed 515 times

: IMG_0198.jpeg (595.05 KiB) Viewed 515 times

Pic #1 is of the axle with old seal
Pic #2 is of the old seal
Pic #3 is of the new seal installed
Pic#4 is of the axle installed before trying to reverse the car

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 05 May 2023, 10:46

I have removed the bolts to the carrier bearing and have the axle out of the hub. Am trying to figure out how to remove the axle. It was not a problem when I pulled the axle out to remove the seal and remove the old cv boot, but it is now. What would have caused the grinding when I tried to back up the car? Appreciate your help!

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 05 May 2023, 12:46

If I press the shift release button will that help?

rrres · Post by **rrres** » 05 May 2023, 13:07

Is the seal installed backwards? On seals I've replaced, the garter spring is usually oriented towards the inside. Don't know if this is what's causing the problem.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 05 May 2023, 13:10

I put in the new seal the same way the old one was-rubber cover facing outward, metal facing inward.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 05 May 2023, 13:16

Should I try tapping on the part of the carrier bearing that moves with the axle to get it out? Or will that cause more problems?