I was replacing the upper ball joint assembly today and the axel on the drivers side (manual) came out. I would think that it would be able to drop back into place, but it does not. Any advice on how to get it back into place so that I can replace the upper ball joint assebly and get back to driving? thanks!

 

what do you mean the axle came out? it came out of the transmission? or the inner cv joint separated? if it was out of the tranny just pop it back in. if the joint separated....well i usually have to open the boot and put each bearing back into place, though i have dropped the bearings in the dirt doing that as well and ended up buying a new axle.

 

Ok...forgive me for not using proper terms on all of this, just learning all of this as I go. I am assuming it is the CV joint that separated. It is near the boot that is closer towards the engine, not the actual wheel assembly. One of the bolts was stuck when I was taking off the upper arm and then everything dropped down. Does that help at all?

 

I had the same thing happen during a engine swap.If the bearing fell off make sure you put them back on right.On mine the center race was raised on one side and went on away from the axle.When i put the rest of the front end together and turned the axle it would push the whole motor to the opisite side of the car.I took it apart and started rotating the axle so the bearing would go to the next spot,on the third try it quite pushing the motor,Have a couple thousand miles on it now with no trouble.If you have some long tie straps they will work for holding your boot on.
Mark

 

Thanks for the help. After what you talked about, did a little research, and it was the CV joint that had came undone. I pulled off the boot and got everything back in place. It is now raining, so tomorrow I will put new grease in there and it will be done. Thanks again!

 

just replace the whole axle