New Here/New Protege

[Raider9864]

I have mangled c-clips by trying too hard to get a shaft in, but I never remove them. Luckily, the old ones pop off the old shaft easy enough and I just re-use them. I've always had the "if it comes with it, use it" mentality.

Check the c-clip to make sure its not bent as it will prevent you from installing the shaft. I have always had luck using a hammer and the old axle nut when installing shafts. Sometimes I would tap on just the axle if there were no threads at the tip of the shaft.

[DynoBunny]

Yea I'm not going to put them in without the clips. I'll get a block of wood and a big hammer and go at it tomorrow.

[Mazda_Powered]

It's not recommended removing the c clip.

However, I've use a bit of grease on the c clip, spin it so the gap is facing up, then move it around so it's not really sagging, since it won't go in if it is. Then I slide the axle in, spin the axle nut on and smack it with a hammer a few times (nuts on to protect axle threads) then I start to spin it while I hit it with the hammer...never had an issue yet.

That's if I have an issue with the c clip, normally they'll slide right in for me.

[irishkev90]

What problems could occur if the clip is removed? I haven't had any problems and it's been probably 3+ years with the axle in there without the clip. I'm just curious.

Sent from my HTC Droid Incredible using Tapatalk Pro

[DynoBunny]

Well you take a choice of the axle slipping out a little and your gonna lose your trans fluid if it comes out too far.

[DynoBunny]

Well I even tried to get them in without the c clips today and they still wont go in. I can't even get the half shaft in. I'm at a loss, I've never had this much trouble from a set of axles.

[Raider9864]

Do you feel the teeth line up? If you can get it to where everything is lined up, then a little pushing force and a hammer should do the trick. Like Mazda Powered said, make sure the shaft is in the straight position and not angled in any way.

Do the shafts match up? If so, it sounds like you might of bent the c-clip.

[DeeAOne]

First off, Welcome.

I dont run C-clips on either one of my axles, but they are so compressed they arent going anywhere. lol

Hopefully you get them in.

[Mazda_Powered]

they won't go in without the c clips on????

are you installing new/used axles that weren't on the car before?? might have the wrong axles then, because usually the axle will slide in like butter w/o the c clip installed....

Have you checked through the trans hole to make sure you can see through to the other side tho? Should only be the diff pin in the way, if you see shiny then something went for a spin.

[DynoBunny]

Well they are the same axles that came out and I see the diff pin and through the other side. There is this though. I don't think it's good.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c268/AussieM3/M4V00626.mp4

Are there bushings where the axles go in?

[Mazda_Powered]

that sucks, guess Tino told ya what was going on with the trans, sucks that you have to pull it apart...which isn't a rough job, just sucks you have to pull the trans off.

[DynoBunny]

Ok well Tino was right I def have the spider gears out if whack. So I got the trans out this afternoon. Does anyone know if theres a write up on how these come apart. I've googled and searched the forum. I found one thread on maDas247 but all the pic links are dead.

[CaymenEGT91]

Ive done about 7,321 of these, I'll try to find you something if not I'll write something up for you real quick.

[CaymenEGT91]

Never mind, found it but instead of where he says 27mm and 30mm... its 27mm and 32mm. That should be pretty clear tho for a 1st timer.

http://www.wihandyman.com/forum/showpost.php?p=471024&postcount=1

[DynoBunny]

Thank you, hopefully I'll get it done this weekend.