I have b16 in a 89 civic hatch. How do I disconnect the driver side axle from the intermediate shaft?? It is such a tight space I can not get anything in there, I know theres a lock ring, but I don't know how to get to it. thanks

 

You usually just pull it out, or try to get something in there to pry it out. No trick to it really.

 

Are you doing this from under the car or reaching down from above. If from undermeeth it should be a breeze. Just get a big flat head screwdriver or somthign strong enough with a flat end and just pop it off. If from above good luck it is a pain but can be done. My suggestion is to get under the car and do it that way you will save your self alot of time and hassle.
-James-

 

el crow bar!

 

Yeh, you just gotta pull. Now assuming you're changing the axle because it's bad, this may not matter, but just in case. Don't pull from the outside of the actualy join of the axle. Grab as close to where it goes into the intermediate shaft as possible. If you pull the joint apart, you're pretty much screwed, well as far as I know you are.

But yeh, just pull as hard as you can and then some. I've seen axled pop right out, and some can be a huge headache. Good luck!

 

Im sure you will get it out with the above methods... BUT... What is the proper way to get it back in so you never have this problem again???

There is a "C" clip on the end do the drive axle (or on the 1/2 shaft). When reinstalling the axle, make sure the "C" clip has the opening pointed DOWN. Most people do not pay attention to what way it is facing when installing... and then they have the same problem you are experiencing now.

 

um, as the axle spins, I'm pretty sure the c-clip spins too.

You have to remove the axle from below, I use the pry/spin/pull method.

 

Here is the easy method, I actually learned this my self when I had three people trying to take an axle out but it didn’t work. Take a big flat head screw driver, put it in the little space in between the half shaft and the axle, then u clamp the biggest locking pliers on the screw driver handle and just twist it with that. I have popped my passenger axle out with that method in no time at all I mean a second or less.

 

that's a pretty good idea... I think I'll try that tomorrow.

 

or you can go here and read about it w/ pix

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=382416

 

i prefer to use a small prybar and a small hammer to pop it right out

 

yah but if u use two hands to do it and it pops out all the way it might fall on your face, thats why I didnt do it that way.