bsuneson

Anyone ever have an issue trying to get their front cv-axles to lock into place? Just bought a '06 and it had a 2" drop in the front / 1.5" in the back. I put the OEM struts and spring back on and the passenger side axle just came out - with no effort. I'm hoping that the c-clip is just worn from being lowered. I ordered new c-clips and I'm waiting for them to come in. Just hoping someone has experienced this before??? No amount of beating the crap out of them will get them to lock-in.

When I say they 'just came out' - they slid off the inner shaft of the transmission with absolutely no effort.

kaj

iTrader: (60)

So, it came right out but won't go back in, and you haven't changed anything? Is there anything jammed inside? maybe the clip failed and is still stuck inside? I assume it's still on the axle, though or you probably woulda' mentioned it being missing LOL.
To get the clips in smoothly, I put grease on them so when I center the clip on the axle, it stays. They pretty much always go right in.
Not sure if that helps.

bsuneson

Its soooo weird. I have never had this happen on any clip in/out type axle. I did check for obstructions and there was nothing. The original c-clip is still on the inner-shaft. Since I've never experienced a bad / crush c-clip, I have nothing to compare it to. The c-clip appears to be in good shape. Im not sure if it is crush slightly. That would explain the issue.

With the EVO being lowered 2" in the front (when I first got it) - that put the angle of the axle more straight ]---[ which might be just enough to keep it from popping out while driving. Now that I have the OEM struts / springs installed, it is at more of an angle ]/[

When I push the axle onto the trans inner shaft, I do not feel resistance from the current c-clip as it slides into the axle.

kaj

iTrader: (60)

I'm stumped on the fact that it comes out easily but won't go back in.
that leads me to believe it wasn't in right to begin with.
assuming it's the right axle, I wonder if the intermediate shafts is okay.
hard to guess without seeing in person. Does removing the clip allow it to go on all the way?
you shouldn't feel resistance sliding the axle in. That's normal.

bsuneson

The axle slides all the way in, but doesn't lock. It literally can't be pushed any further without damaging the little cone-shaped weather guard on the axle that keeps dirt out. My hope is that the old c-clip is slightly compressed. Keeping it from locking in. I wish I had a picture with me. The c-clip is very very close to the same diameter of the trans inner shaft. I would assume, for it to lock in, the diameter of the c-clip would need to be noticeably larger. I ordered a new c-clip and will have to wait until this weekend for it to arrive.

I'll try to take some pictures this evening and post them tomorrow morning.

kaj

iTrader: (60)

Does the axle bottom out before the dust shield touches? It shouldn't go far enough to hit the shield.

bsuneson

The dust shield gets close enough that it would be difficult to stick a piece of paper between them. If its very uncommon for the c-clips to become slightly compressed over-time, Im starting to wondering if the thing had the wrong axles on it to begin with. I've noticed that other pics of evo axles tend to have a green inner housing. Mine are shiny like polished aluminium.

kaj

iTrader: (60)

Hmm. Yeah, I'd say try to figure out which axles you have

bsuneson

bsuneson

Turns out the axles are CarQuest brand. However, they are the correct part numbers. Look at how little the c-clip is poking out. Seems like the diameter should be a few mm larger.

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, hog ring on the shaft is worn. Needs replaced. It's not uncommon. Usually happens if the axle is installed/removed several times.

kaj

iTrader: (60)

I have a stash of them, for such occasion.

bsuneson

Replacing the c-clips on the inner shaft fixed the issue. The axles locked into place with little effort. Thanks guys!

kaj

iTrader: (60)

Awesome, dude!

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

Glad you got it fixed!