98 Civic 5spd. Did the clutch t/o bearing flywheel etc. now the mainshaft and counter bearings. Went to put the case back and it stops at 1/2 inch to go and is not touching the snap ring yet. It feels like something is stopping it near the top in the middle. Any ideas?

 

Wiggle wiggle wiggle. I tap on the case with a rubber mallet when I put mine back together. Also try putting it in different gears. Always seems to help for me.

 

Should I have the snap ring open by now? It does seem to be stopped in that area, although through the access hole I could still move the ring around.

 

yes, keep trying to spread the snap ring open until it will stay open and you can get the case on? Did you replace all the bearings yourself? Just curious as I'm having problems with my bearings going out in my tranny.

 

I did, just both on the mainshaft and the two on the countershaft by the snapring. The countershaft ones I pried off but then took it to a machine shop and for $5 they pressed them on. This being my first front wheel drive tranny it is frustrating but I'll try again tonight.

 

Well I found out what it was. The countershaft that has the two bearings together, the one without the snap ring is the wrong one. The dealer sold me one that is 1mm larger even when I had the VIN # I called them and we found the correct # which is of course 1mm smaller. And of course this bearing I had to pick up at another dealer since they were out but they were just working on the part # they were told. Now I need the nut also and pressed back on. So I'm not losing my mind but was beginning to think so.

 

So im currently having the SAME problem. Ive gotten it to within an eight of an inch.. But im thinkin i have the same problem. I think the inner race on the counter shaft (input side) or clitch side bearing is a little too wide.. So i cant get the casing to come down enough for the mainshaft bearing to go inside the snap ring.

 

i learned from my roommate to try shift through the gears

 

Ok so try this.. It worked for me. If you can get the casing within an eighth of an inch from closing.. Put six nolts in around it and snug them up. Dont pull them tight yet. Grab your pliers and open the snap ring.. Then start tightening the bolts. The bearing should come high enough to go into the snap ring and the tranny should close. Also i had to stick a pry bar in where the opening is for the shift linkage and pry up on the mainshaft to get it the rest of the way. Hope it helps.