So when re-installing axles on my 97 Civic LX, the driver's side went straight in with no problems. However when we got to the passenger's side, we noticed about a 3/4 inch gap that didn't allow the axle to seat correctly to the transmission. We took out the snap ring to see if that was the problem, but it wouldn't go in any farther without it. We checked the inside, no damage to be seen. Splines are still smooth without any mushrooming. We've tried a few things including hammering with a piece of wood between the axle and the hammer. I am out of ideas. Anything I should try?

 

wrong or defective cv axle. They're always made crudely.. I had the exact same problem. If it doesn't just plop in then it's wrong.

 

UPDATE: Went and bought a new CV axle, popped straight in. All that hammering for nothing...Anyways, thanks!

 

lol, told you xD. same thing happened to me.