I'm replacing my transmission and am almost done, except that the drivers side axle won't go in all the way. There's still about a quarter inch hanging out that won't go in completely. The passenger side is in completely. It's a 99 Civic EX.
We've been smacking the **** out of it for like 20 minutes now and it won't go past a certain point.
Any help greatly appreciated.
Thank You!

 

well try spinning the axle then putting it in a different spot each time maybe you just have it on the wrong notch

 

"On the wrong notch"? The splines don't have to be oriented a special way, they're just splines.

Take it out and try reseating it. If it still won't go in, try a deadblow hammer on it. If that still doesn't work, take it out and feel around inside the transmission for anything that might be stopping it from going in, and look at the splines on the axle.

 

Over time I've found that putting some kind of oil on the spines of the axle help greatly when trying to pop that little snap ring in place. Also, make sure the axle is going in straight, the slightest angle may hinder the installation.

 

i had the same problem

 

I've had to take the snap ring off, gently compress it a little more, then try again. Usually goes right in

 

X2

 

Take a punch and a sledge hammer lol worked for me

 

Thats how iv always done mine, That center hole in the axle is where you place the punch then smack with sledge.

 

yea i would do the hammer, I leterally just put in a passenger side axle yesterday using this method

 

I held the punch an had a friend give it a whack man was I nervous lol but it worked!

 

thanks guys. I've tried all of this and still to no avail. I don't know what the f**k the problem is

 

There's a great Axle DIY in the FAQs sticky. Many good tips can be found there.

 

i forgot to mention the tranny is a y4f. my car is a 99 civic EX. don't know if that'd help eliminate anything?

 

it seems the input shaft is hitting this piece. any suggestions?

 

You have an open differential like 100% of the other USDM D16 transmissions.

Make sure you have the correct axle.

 

x2^^ your axle's input shaft should not be long enough to bottom out before seating in the transmission correctly. Where did you buy the axle at? Its possible that you have the right box with the wrong part. Iv had a tough time getting axles in before but it was usually due to the snap ring and one or two good hits with a sledge would send it home.

 

Do this, I had the same problem on my car.

 

The snap ring probably just needs compressed a little bit. I've also rotated the ring around so it had the opening on the bottom and put a little oil on it, usually goes right in.

If you have to smash it in with a hammer, it will probably be a pain getting it back out. Just keep that in mind. You don't want it to come out while driving either, so I'm apprehensive compressing the ring too much.

 

Bump for this thread, it helped me.

 

I must be lucky, Ive never had this issue reinstalling my axles.

 

Clean the splines on the differential and the axle. Put a light amount of MTF or 10w-30 motor oil on the axle and differential.

 

X2

 

i herd autozone axle have fitment problems.. few guys have had to return their axles and go elsewhere.

 

I know this thread is stale, but be careful of the seal when working on this. Also, I usually lay under the car and guide the end in straight while applying inward pressure on the axle on the inner and outer CV assemblies (compress them) and then have an assistant give a love bump on the end of the axle with a 20 lb. sledge and block of wood. Not a love tap, not a love slam, a love 'bump'. Just light let it swing under its own weight from a foot or two. Pops it right in every time.

Of course having the right axle helps too. I always lay old next to new and compare. Good to do right at the parts counter and check the sealing surfaces of the new axle for nicks/burrs while you're at it.

One time they brought out an axle with pipe wrench marks on the shaft. No thanks.