QuestionI’m trying to replace the left axle on my 96 Chrysler Cirrus (2.5L, V-6 Motor). I got the spindle out of the way, and the axle is free, except where it goes into the transmission. I tried prying the axle away from the transmission housing, but it won’t budge.
I then removed all the bolts in the housing, and I’m able to pry it away from the tranny about an inch or so. It will go no further. I tried rotating the housing 360 degrees, pulling on it the whole time, thinking there might be a slot I couldn’t see. No dice. I’ve been careful not to put too much pressure into the prybar (I don’t want to break something). The housing feels like it hangs up at two points, 180 degrees apart.
I’ve looked for snap rings, set screws, etc. and can’t see anything that’s holding this in. What am I missing? Any info you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks.
AnswerHi Richard,
There is a snap ring at the tip of the shaft that is retaining it in place. So you have to use a prybar to separate the inner tripod joint shaft from the transaxle housing, but being careful not to damage the oil seal in the housing. Support the outer end of the shaft assembly. Insert a prybar between the the inner joint and the transaxle case. Pry with the tip of the bar against the tripod until joint retaining snap ring releases from the inner gear inside the transaxle. Once it releases, pull the drive shaft straight out of the housing so as not to damage the oil seal. DO NOT LET SPLINE OF SNAP RING DRAG ON THE LIP OF THE OIL SEAL. Install is the reverse, lubricate the spline and oil seal lip, carefully insert so as to prevent damage to seal. Push in is as far as you can, then grasp the joint and shaft and push until the snap ring seats and it is again very difficult to remove.
Sorry to be a little slow, doing some gardening work this morning.
Roland
