stuck Left side CV half shaft - semi emergency Topic is solved

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 13 Nov 2021, 15:16

I am replacing the left CV Half shaft and it is stuck in the (auto) transmission. I am afraid to pry against the case and I have been trying to get it to let go by gently hammering a screwdriver between the case and the inner joint case but no luck. I have been rotating the shaft and trying to wedge it loose too.

I really need to get the car going by tomorrow. Does anyone have any tips? I'll work on it tonight if I need to .

Thanks

Post by **volvolugnut** » 13 Nov 2021, 15:51

Use a wood or steel chisel as the wedge.
volvolugnut

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 13 Nov 2021, 16:08

I tried driving a pair of flat head screwdrivers in between case and the transmission, on opposite sides but it didn't come loose.
also rotating it and hitting the sides of the inner joint case to try to loosen it..

I tried to find a genuine CV puller/ slap hammer (slap hammer with a crow's foot, but no luck there. Would it work / be safe to use a ball joint separator ak pickle fork?

Post by **jonesg** » 13 Nov 2021, 18:56

4 lb hammer, smack it like you mean it.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 13 Nov 2021, 21:29

LOL for sure. I will..

BTW will I need to smack it to get the replacement back in and the snap ring seated properly?

Post by **erikv11** » 13 Nov 2021, 23:10

They go back in easily.

You want a single wedge-shaped object, like a 3/8 chisel (or slightly larger) or a triangular block of wood. Drive it straight up into the center of the gap. This almost always works. Obviously the wedge needs to flare enough that you will pop out the axle before striking the shaft with the wedge tip.

If that doesn't work right away, often the problem is a stuck or junky circlip. I couldn't find the post where jimmy57 explains how to deal with this really well, but here is a good explanation by SuperHerman: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forum ... 3&start=10

A lot of aftermarket half shafts are junky, including the circlip. If you can re-boot the one you are taking out and put it back in, your car and your wallet will thank you.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 14 Nov 2021, 07:17

Much thanks. I tracked down a CV puller tool, and I'm going to get it today and hope it works. I guess I was being too timid. Thanks for the tip on the circlip. I am going to get one from the parts store as backup.

I got a used Volvo labeled half shaft that look new - barely and dirt on it- a Volvo owner had the strut assemblies, ball joints and halfshafts replaced with dealer parts recently, then got rear ended hard.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 14 Nov 2021, 10:15

So simply hammering the crowfoot into place did the trick. no need for the slap hammer at all Thanks. Now how do I get the new halfshaft to pop back in? I greased the end and the circlip and it won't go into place.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 14 Nov 2021, 10:30

It takes a firm bump to get the clip to engage. Start the spline just a little and slam in the axle hard. If you cannot pull back out it is engaged.
volvolugnut

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 14 Nov 2021, 10:39

should the clip gap be on the top or bottom? Finishing lunch and back into the garage..