Can't get driver half shaft (axle) in...need some help

[Black Mammoth]

I pulled out the passenger side and put in the new half shaft with no problem. I then went to the driver side and pulled out the half shaft with no problem. Then I tried installing the new one and I can't get it in. It stops about half way. I then tried putting the original back in and it goes in fine. What am I doing wrong with the new half shaft?

Thanks

 

[Turdle]

Picture of old and new side by side?

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Try turning it a few degrees, then slide it back in. Check the splines on the new CV for damage or warping.

 

[Black Mammoth]

I might try taking pictures later tonight if I can't get it in. I've inspected them side by side and they are pretty similar. As far as the spline and ring goes, it looks identical. I'm wondering if I'm having a problem with the ring and it is blocking. I've tried rotating a degree and trying again. At one point it does seem to fit better, but it is still like 2" away from going in all the way.

Thanks for the help...hopefully I'll get it knocked out. If anyone else has anything to say, please chime in. If all else fails, I'll take a pic later tonight.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Maybe try tapping it the rest of the way in? Gently!

 

[Black Mammoth]

I got it in!!! I think the problem was the spring clip on the new shaft. It looked a little bigger than the old one. So when it was pushed to one side it stuck out more than the older one. So I took the spring clip off the new one and put the old spring clip on the new half shaft. This isn't ideal, but it works! I got new shafts instead of reman shafts...that might be the difference. I try to get reman, but these were much cheaper. Now I know why

 

[Jefe]

The circlips are VERY snug when new. As long as the old circlip is holding the axle in well you'll be fine.

 

[AMMO_HOOAH]

I got it in!!! I think the problem was the spring clip on the new shaft. It looked a little bigger than the old one. So when it was pushed to one side it stuck out more than the older one. So I took the spring clip off the new one and put the old spring clip on the new half shaft. This isn't ideal, but it works! I got new shafts instead of reman shafts...that might be the difference. I try to get reman, but these were much cheaper. Now I know why

Wait.... New ones were cheaper then remans? :scratch:

 

[Black Mammoth]

Yeah...see the new clip was bigger and looser. I'm wondering if someone returned it after boogering some stuff up Yeah...new was cheaper than reman...about $50...each...go figure. I'm going to let the company I bought it from that I had some issues.