95 Corolla right CV axle reassembly problem

I got the old axle out with relatively little problem, but the new axle
won't go in all the way. It stops with about a half or quarter inch
left to go.

Is this a problem I can solve just by using a bigger hammer or is there
a trick to this?

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

There is a snap ring on the end of the axle that goes into the
differential. When installed, make sure that the open portion of the ring
is on the bottom. Should go right in.

Thanks for your suggestion. I figured there must be some kind of trick
to it. I'll try it that way. I think it's the one thing I *haven't*
tried. :)

qslim wrote:[color=blue]
> There is a snap ring on the end of the axle that goes into the
> differential. When installed, make sure that the open portion of the ring
> is on the bottom. Should go right in.[/color]

Ok, I tried this and it still won't go in. Any other thoughts?

Well, assuming you know that the part is correct, the snap ring deal is the
only real roadblock you should have. I usually set it up as I previously
described and use the axle itself as a kind of slide hammer to knock it in
to the diff, if that makes sense. Get it splined inside the diff, then give
a little pull on the wheel end of the axle and knock it forward.
If that doesn't work I pick up the ol' dead blow plastic-faced hammer,
have someone hold the shaft up and solid to the diff, and give it a good
whack. It takes two people sometimes.

I tried that exact technique you described and still no go. I'm pretty
sure the part is correct, but I'm giving up and taking it (towing it)
to a mechanic.

I appreciate the suggestions even thought I couldn't get 'er in there.

qslim wrote:[color=blue]
> Well, assuming you know that the part is correct, the snap ring deal is the
> only real roadblock you should have. I usually set it up as I previously
> described and use the axle itself as a kind of slide hammer to knock it in
> to the diff, if that makes sense. Get it splined inside the diff, then give
> a little pull on the wheel end of the axle and knock it forward.
> If that doesn't work I pick up the ol' dead blow plastic-faced hammer,
> have someone hold the shaft up and solid to the diff, and give it a good
> whack. It takes two people sometimes.[/color]