Hi all, i recently replaced the right front axle on my 2001 civic dx and have had a pretty bad leak since. I didnt use the oem axle, but i picked up one from kragen. The first thing i notice with this axle is that it doesn't get pushed into the transmission as far the my the other side with the oem axle does. Im pretty sure that this is causing the problem. I changed the axle seal with an oem seal and it still leaks. Id prefer not to have to spend $$ on another new axle but will if needed. But i was wondering if anyone else has encountered a problem like this. I was thinking that if i were to grind off some of the end of the axle spline that enters the tranny that it would allow the axle to be pushed in farther.
Im also not sure if the c clip near the end of the spline is even locking it in. When i get the axel pushed in as far as i can, i need to use a tool like a pry bar to pop it free again, but when installing it, i dont hear it click into place like the oem axle. It actually had came loose through driving though cause the last time i took it off to change the seal, i was able to just pull it with my hand and no pry bar. so i dont think its locking in. Ive also tried greasing up the end of the spline and centering the c clip so it enters smoothly but still no luck with a click in. Id really like to get this fixed cause I for burned up my tranny all ready from this leak and dont want to have to do that again....
Unfortunately i dont have the original axle to compare with.

 

You're not pushing it in all the way is definitely what it sounds like. Sometimes getting it in all the way can be difficult. Just keep trying and eventually it'll go.

 

Whats the best way to get it pushed in? other than pushing with your hands, is there any tools or techniques that make it easier?
Is there a chance that this C clip on the kragen axle is different from the oem C clip size making it harder to click in?
Would i be able to check how far in the axle will actually go into the transmission if i remove the C clip and put the axle in(just so i know its the right length)??

 

You have to have the axle lined up perfectly, then use your arms to quickly jam the axle into the transmission. It took me about 30 minutes the first time I changed an axle just to get the axle into the transmission. It can be pretty difficult.

 

All right thanks. Ill keep at it and keep you posted.

 

You could take the other axle out to compare the transmission end and make sure you have the correct part.

What I do is to (carefully) extend the inner joint about an inch then slam the axle in. Do not overextend the inner joint or it will fall apart inside.

The #1 rule of "rebuilt" parts from chain stores is never return your "core" part until after the new one is on the car and working.

 

I just compared my new axle with the oem axle on the other side and they look a little bit different. The C clip on the oem axle is about 1 or 2mm from the tip of the axle spline, while the aftermarket is 3 or 4mm away. Does this sound like the problem?
I also tried taking the C clip off of the aftermarket axle and putting it in the tranny to see if it would go in any farther, but it didnt.

Are the axles the same for the automatic and manual transmissions? or do they have different splines?

 

You have the wrong axle for your car. It could be a case of automatic vs. manual I'm not sure about that. But the two axles should be identical at the end.