Contrary to every thread on getting the rear axle out, I'm wondering how to get it back IN??

03 700 Sportsman


Took it all apart to replace the inner CV boot

Question on that part? When reinstalling the drive shaft into the CV joint, there's that little clip. I got the axle in and locked, but there's still probably 1/2-3/4" of thread on the outside sticking out? Seems locked in, but wondering if it has to go all the way or what's the correct method for holding that little clip open to slip the axle in?


Part 2

How are you supposed to compress the C ring to slip the whole axle back into the rear end?


Thanks for the help

 

When I've done mine, the C clip just sort of compresses on its own when I slide it all together. If it is "locked" in I think you shoul be OK. Is it the front or rear axel??

 

It's the rear axle, about ready to take a 16lb hammer to it

 

the little clip fits into a groove in the cv-housing, then start the axle in it and sometimes you do have to tap it with dead blow or rubber hammer, did you clean all the grease out of it so you could see everything? To get it into rear diff, put some anti-sieze on splines and lock ring,align splines and use that dead blow hammer to tap it back in.