Martineze37

I replaced the CV axle on my '94 honda accord with a breeze, but as soon as i took it out to test drive, i got so far before none of the gears worked. When in any gear, the engine only revs, then when switching to the parking the gear it grinds, and acts as if the car is in neutral, just like all the other gears. After research, i've come to the conclusion the CV axel wasn't placed into the transmission correctly, and have been trying to do so since then. Tapping with a hammer hasnt work for me. Any suggestions how to get the axel all the way into the tranny?

Martineze37

update: i ended up knocking it in further with a hammer. Feels snug, but there's still about a quarter inch gap, is this normal? Couldn't hear the pin clicking in.

19Accord97

I have replaced mine multiple times on both an auto and manual. I always struggle getting the dang things in the transmission. After replacing the right side halfshaft a couple weeks ago I found that the best method is to put the halfshaft barely into the transmission so the splines are aligned, grab both ends of the halfshaft (the metal part not the boots) and firmly ram it in and out until it clicks in. If you watch EricTheCarGuy you'll see him do the exact same method. It took probably 3 seconds of doing that. Much quicker than popping it in as far as I can go and then forcing it into the transmission with a hammer or pure force.

I'd also suggest only using new half shafts - never the remanned versions.

Also, are you sure the halfshaft is correct? I've had the right box but wrong part twice and had to verify this by using a micrometer on the halfshaft ends. I don't think i've purchased a half shaft for my Accord that had flattened portions like yours does in the picture. All have been cylindrical.

colonelcorto

Grease the splines really well, making sure to get the "pin" as well. I then use a plastic mallet to tap the axle in. Are you sure you didn't lose your transmission fluid when you drove with that axle loose?

MAD_MIKE

Don't put grease on the splines unless it is transmission assembly lube.
Otherwise use the appropriate transmission fluid, but that is not the real issue.

At the end of the differential side of the CV axle, look at the circlip.
When you removed the old axle, make sure that circlip came out, it can sometimes get caught in side the diff. Make sure it isnt in there or the new axle/circlip will never install.
To make it as painless as possible to install, make sure that the open end of the circlip is up top, this helps keep the two open ends together and aligned in the groove. If the open end is on the bottom, when installing one can misalign and not seat or jam.
If you do get the axle all the way in but the axle still slides out or pops out, inspect the circlip. Some aftermarket axles use a fairly weakly sprung circlip that is more like baling wire than spring steel. Gently prise the circlip more open so it properly snaps into the differential housing.
Right side axle has always been a bitch for me as well. I dunno what it is but it needs a good slide hammer smack to get it installed.

Swamp Donkey

i use a dead blow to seat the cv axle all the way in.

the 1/4 gap is normal.

also looks like you have an oil leak.