QuestionWell, I did what you said and sure enough the car rolls freely in park. Next question is how difficult is it to fix a broken axle in a front wheel drive car? Does it require pulling the entire engine or can it be done in place?
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The engine is running perfectly, but when I put the automatic transmission in any gear forward or reverse the car won't move. When putting it in gear there is an initial bump then nothing. I'm guessing either torque converter or transmission. Is there anything else that it might be?
The driver reported a snapping sound then coasted to the shoulder.
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Hi Rickie,
Try two things, one, try to push the car in park. If it moves with the brake off then you have a broken axle. Second to confirm, start the car and rev the engine, see if the speedo moves, if so, broken axle.
AnswerHi Rickie,
It's not for the average shade tree guy. Here is the how to, bear in mind, when they say tap, that means beat the hell out of it:
Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheel.
Unfasten brake caliper assembly, leaving brake line attached.
Remove tie-rod ball joint from knuckle, then separate driveshaft from steering knuckle by tapping on driveshaft.
When removing driveshafts, cover boots with cloth to prevent damage. (Skip the cloth)
On models with automatic transaxle , if replacing both driveshafts, remove righthand driveshaft before removing lefthand driveshaft.
Use a large screwdriver to pry driveshaft out of transaxle. A very large one and a good hammer.
Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
Install new oil seal in transaxle.
Use oil seal protector tool Nos. KV38106800 and KV38106700, or equivalents, when inserting driveshaft into transaxle. Or hammer the seals in.
After inserting driveshaft, press-fit circular clip into groove of transaxle side gear.
After installing clip, try to pull flange out of side joint by hand. If flange pulls out, circular clip is not properly installed into side gear.
This last part is tricky, you need to make sure that clip is in or the entire assembly will come out and cause major grief. Remember what I said about tap. Hope this helps. Personally, I would have it towed to your nearest Cottman or Aamco. Cottman.com or Aamco.com Under $300.
