CV shaft question

[js_customs]

I was changing lower ball joints on my Legacy this weekend and when I popped the drivers side ball joint out, the cv shaft/rotor/hub, etc. swung out and pulled itself out of the trans. The CV shaft is still attached to the spindle that goes into the trans - the whole assembly came out. I went to put everything back together and it wont slide all the way back into the trans. The splines all line up but it seems to stick out about 1.5" or so further than it should.

Any ideas on why the shaft isnt seating correctly? Is there something I need to do to get it to line back up since it came out of the trans?

Car is a 2000 Legacy L wagon with a 4EAT.

Thanks in advance, and I apologize if this is a dumb question.

[chuckthefuk]

did the locking pin break off inside the trans?

Subaru front axles have the locking pin that holds the splins to the stubs.

[js_customs]

If you're referring to the pin that holds the CV shaft to the spindle that goes into the trans, that's still in the axle shaft....the whole assembly pulled out of the trans.

Is there another locking pin that could've broken? When I get a chance I'll take it back apart and shine a light inside to see if I can find anything..

[chuckthefuk]

Did you pull the CV shaft and axle stub out of the transmission.

Example. Is there a axle stub sticking out of the transmission or is there a void...

Your transmission should look like this with the axles removed.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/366495015001png-1.jpg

Here you can see your front diff broken down.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2011/11/366495019002png-1.jpg

Notice #11 its the axle stub..

-Chuck

[js_customs]

Yeah the CV shaft and axle stub pulled out together - there's just a hole there. I talked to a buddy of mine tonight and he said there's a lock ring or snap ring that takes a bit of pressure for the shaft to slide back in and lock into place...this sound correct?

[chuckthefuk]

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5706/unledwkn.jpg

#10 / #11

Sounds as if you're stuck on the lock plate.
The Circlip probably popped out and the & Lock Plate tip could possibly be damaged.

[Hocrest]

No big deal. I've done this accidentally a few times. And a few times I've done it on purpose when I had trouble getting the roll pin out.

Just get it back into place, it will slide in easily up to the last 1/2 - 3/4".

If the axle isn't attached to the hub, use the telescoping nature of the axle assembly as a sort of slide hammer and knock the stub the rest of the way in.

If the axle is attached out at the hub, use a deadblow hammer and a block of soft wood to bang on the inner joint. You'll be hitting where the boot sits on the cup so use care not to cut the rubber boot.

[js_customs]

Hocrest, I'll give that a shot in a day or 2 - this getting dark early thing sucks! Hopefully that's it. It came out pretty easily so hopefully it'll go back in like that. Chuck, I appreciate the info/diagrams. Hopefully it's more simple than that but i guess I'll see

[wantahertzdonut]

Hit it with a sledge hammer and it'll pop right back in. It shouldn't take too much to get it to seat.