Hi folks,

I have a 1996 civic and just removed the old drivers side axle. I compared the the new one to the old one and it is a little short.
I'm not sure but the old one was such a pain to get out is it possible the old one was a bit to big ?
Does anyone know the exact length a drivers side axle should be. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

When taking out the old one, you said it was difficult. Are you sure you didn't separate any of the CV joints when removing?

The new one is going to have everything in place as it should be to start.

 

I certainly can't swear to it. I did find a site that said the drivers side axle should be 36.25 inches and that's what the new one is.
I didn't measure the old one. How would I be able to tell if I did separate any ?

https://www.am-autoparts.com/1996/Ho...FY1bhgodThMD-w

 

If your new one matches the info you found, I wouldn't even bother with the old one.

One of the CV joints has a fair amount of adjust-ability. Two inches or so I'd say without causing any issue. More than likely you expanded that CV joint some and that's why it's sitting longer than the new one.

 

I can't thank you enough. I drive 100 mile each way to work and you lust took a load off my mind.
Have a great weekend.

 

The inner joint is made to slide shorter and longer-- it needs to do that as the wheel moves up and down.

If while you have the axle detached, you pull too hard on the inner joint and over-extend it, the parts will come apart inside and it may not go back.

 

Thanks that's good to know.

 

96 Civic ex , When I took the old axle out and pry it from the tranny casing with a screw driver it looked like the cv axle and tranny casing were totally flush against each other. I bought a refurb from one of the chains and the tranny side went right in and again it appeared totally flush , the tranny casing and the cv axle, but it would not fit into the brake rotor side. I purchased a new one from one of the chains and now it appears there is a very slight gap , about the size of a nickles edge, between the tranny housing and the cv axle.

I've tried tapping it , wiggling it, putting the car in neutral, grease and more grease, I checked the seal and it's sitting flush with the casing, made sure the clip was facing down and I actually exchanged clips from the refurbished axle that went in with the new axle with the same result. I tried for several hours yesterday. A few backyard mechanics at work seem to think that gap is not unusual.

Any help would be appreciated. It's the axle from hell !!!

 

Post pictures.

 

At work now but I will try later. My phone sucks and not sure the flash works. But I'll do what I can.

 

Do your best because nobody can properly advise you without being able to see the gap.

 

I totally understand and totally appreciate it. This is my first axle and in my mind there should be no gap what so ever.
I will get you what you need. TYVM

 

There should be a small gap. Otherwise the axle would scrape on the differential.

 

So even though the others sat butt up against the tranny wall and there was no space what so ever this one may still be ok ?
Still sending pictures later. I can tell for sure this new one is not seated the same exact way as the others. Manufacturing difference ?

 

Axles don't touch the exterior surface of the differential so normally there is always a gap. The gap can be small, around 1/8" as an approximation.

 

As mentioned the axle expands and contracts to allow the car to turn the wheels and adjust going over bumps.

The new axles can be pretty stiff but will expand to the correct length to fit your car, assuming the parts counter jockey inputs the correct transmission. With a lifetime warranty I do use the parts store brand axles on my used hondas, it typically adds to resale value later when I sell them. (Some stores are picky about the policy but usually they don't fuss if your just trading the old part for a new part)

Like ron mentioned the axle seal inside the transmission holds in the fluid not the axle. So if it is snug and won't pop out on its own it should be good, but it should be a minimal gap

 

Pictures to come. You have no idea how I hope I was wrong and this gap means nothing. Tks Kid.

 

Tell me something good.

 

that one is borderline. kinda blurry, top pic looks ok, bottom one is questionable.

 

My camera sucks. I drove it ten miles got up to about 50 and all seems ok.

 

It is probably OK. Usually when an axle has not engaged properly, it will work loose within a few blocks of driving and make the car unable to move by itself.

Take a quick look for fluid leaks.

 

So far no leaks. Drove it about 40 miles, had her up to 80. Thanks for taking a look.