Drive Axle won’t go back in

[Mike_T]

Help, I can’t get the left (driver) side drive axle to (snap) go all the way back into the transmission. I did a bad thing. I forgot to snap the drive axle back in before I test drive it.

I have a 2000 Camry 4 cylinder w/automatic that I just rebuilt the motor on. But when I reinstalled the motor/transmission, I forgot to snap the drive axle back in before I test drive it. Since the teeth before the snap ring were catching the gear the car test drove fine but started leaking transmission fluid. I tried to knock the drive axle on in past the snap ring but it would not go, so I pulled it completely out to inspect it and it looked fine. I tried putting it back in, but the teeth would still not go back in past the snap ring. The teeth would ketch on the gear but not snap in. So I pulled it out again, took of the snap ring and tried to put the drive axel back in again, but the teeth would still only go in the gear about 1 inch which where the snap ring would be. Unless I’m wrong, shouldn’t the axle slide in easily with out the snap ring on? Could I have messed something up driving it without the axle being snapped in?

[reluctantmechanic]

Mike, I hope someone with more knowledge pipes in here, but let me give you my .02

I think you need to remove the snap ring, and use a new one...if you're not going to replace the snap ring, I would try to re-insall the axle after giving the ring a little squeeze with a pair of pliers.

Let us know how it goes.

[LynchburgCSI]

Try this. Yes, it should be the same as the 97-01 models.

You Tube

You Tube

[Mike_T]

I will probable replace the snap ring. But shouldn't the axle have gone in easly after I removed the snap ring as a test to make sure i didn't mess anything up?

[reluctantmechanic]

Originally Posted by Mike_T

I will probable replace the snap ring. But shouldn't the axle have gone in easly after I removed the snap ring as a test to make sure i didn't mess anything up?

I've had them slide in easy, and had some that fought it. If you're going to remove the ring, slide the axle in and see if there's something else going on...might be damage to the axle splines?

[JohnGD]

Yes. You should be able to "slide" the axle in to the point where it should normally seat.

The axle spline looked fine, then check the side gear spline in the differential. You may need a telescoping mirror and a flashlight. These are case hardened parts and hopefully not too easily damaged. Do try to rotate the axle 120 degrees and try again.

Originally Posted by Mike_T

I will probable replace the snap ring. But shouldn't the axle have gone in easly after I removed the snap ring as a test to make sure i didn't mess anything up?

[kmr16442]

+1 on the checking the axle splines. I had a girl bring me her Corolla where the axle had popped out of the tranny (previous mechanic didn't put in the snap ring!), I had the exact same problem as you the axle would go in so far and get stuck. I finally took a triangular file to the splines on the axle and cleaned them up real well. The axle then snapped and locked right in.

[Mike_T]

Thanks for the replies. I took you advice and doubled checked the axle splines, and after wiping them down and taking a closer I can see they are slightly damaged, probable just enough to prevent it from going in. I could probable file them like kmr16442 said or I see that Autozone has a complete replacement drive axle for $47.

[dave1811]

Mike:

Let us know how it works out. It really helps others sharing what the end solution was. Good luck!

Dave

[Mister_Perkins]

http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...oval_tool.html

I like using a slide hammer style remover like the above link