300D Axle Replacement Problem??

[zsmith29]

I am replaceing a bad axle and everything went well taking the old one off. I simply cannot seem to get the new one to fit. It seems like it is not only to long but that the veins will not line up with the wheel.

What am I doing wrong??

[Oracle12345]

put the new ones agianst the old ones. If they are the same size try pushing the joints in and then fitting them in.

[Scott98]

Its always possible the replacement part is poor quality and won't fit but first compare it to the old one and see what you have.

Scott

[zsmith29]

yeah I got them to go in a bit but they need to go in further. Is there anything I am supposed to do to the wheel part of where the axle fits into??

[Scott98]

You'll need to raise and lower the differential as you insert the new axle to get it to line up properly throughout the process. They don't just go in with everything in one position. Have you been doing that?

Scott

[zsmith29]

Yes I have.
MY main problem is that I cannot get the outer joint of the axle to slide into the wheel. It seems as though the vein things just aren't going to mate up for some reason.

[Scott98]

Are you saying the splines on the new axle don't seem to match the splines on your wheel hub - or that you can't even get the new axle into proper position to even attempt to insert it?

If its a spline problem, this should be readily apparent by comparing the splines on the new axle to the old one. They are either the same size or they aren't.

If you can get it lined up but just can't get it in, try some anti-seize compound on the splines to help it slide it. Make sure the splines in your hub don't have any rust or anything else on them to hinder insertion.

If you are having trouble even getting the outer end into position, make sure the inner end is fully inserted into the differential. Go ahead and install your retaining ring in the differential just to make sure you are all the way in.

Hope that helps.

Scott

[winmutt]

Did you use lube?

[ImBroke]

To make sure the splines are correct, try inserting it a little bit from the outside. I had to move my drivers side down quite a bit. Disconnected the shocks and everything.

[Beagle]

I simply cannot seem to get the new one to fit. It seems like it is not only to long but that the veins will not line up with the wheel.

What am I doing wrong??

Push the two CV joints together HARD (towards each other) - they will slide in and out about 1½ inches but are quite stiff on a new axle, push the diff accross too to compress the opposite axle. Turn the hub a bit to align the spline.

[zsmith29]

Thus far I have ruined 2 axles by trying to bang them in. (thank goodness for the auto parts return policy)
Basically the hub will not receive the axle. I have gotten a file and I am filing the hub down so that the axle might fit.

Is there anything else I can do to get the axle to go in the hub other than change out the entire arm??

This is a nightmare situation.

[Whiskeydan]

What brand of axles, where did they come from?

I have several post regarding axle replacement. Do a search and read about aftermarket replacements.
Hopefully, you still have your originals??? Send them to a rebuilder or simply replace the boots if the CV joints are still smooth, tight.

DO NOT mix up the differential end spacers!

Also, chances are any new or different axle will need a different spacer thickness.

[winmutt]

Are you sure you have the right kind of axles for the diff? IIRC there is about 4 different ones.

[Whiskeydan]

Originally Posted by ImBroke

To make sure the splines are correct, try inserting it a little bit from the outside. I had to move my drivers side down quite a bit. Disconnected the shocks and everything.

Not possible.
The splines won't meet when inserted from the outside. Axle stub splines are roughly 1 1/4" long, the splines in the hub are recessed at least 2" from the outside.

[Whiskeydan]

Originally Posted by winmutt

Are you sure you have the right kind of axles for the diff? IIRC there is about 4 different ones.

There are many different ones. This is why the spacer shim from the right side may be a different thickness from the left.

Machining tolerance varies such that the length of the inner stub to the clip groove is different. The correct spacer (shim) sets this to the specific differential.

If you swap axles, chances are you will need different shims.

Still, this does not help solve zsmith29's problem of the outer splines not meshing.