CV axle shaft on passenger side will not seat all the way in

Tiny
JJAMES60
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  • 2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 152,000 MILES
Also, is there a seal that is supposed to be there?
Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 7:27 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

There is a seal, but it is in the transmission. Make sure you don't damage it.

As far as the axle, there is a clip on it. Try this. Carefully install the shaft as far as you can. Then, using a heavy rubber mallet, tap it in. It should seat in place.

Here is a link you may find helpful. Jump down to number 7 in the procedure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-cv-axle

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 11:24 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Thank you for the information, Joe. The part that is supposed to stay inside of the transmission came out with the CV axle shaft when I pulled out the CV axle shaft now it won't go all the way in causing the whole shaft to stick out too far. Also, how can I tell if I damaged the transmission seal? Thank you
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Saturday, June 25th, 2022 AT 6:02 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

The seal can be nicked or damaged by the shaft. Just inspect it for any imperfections. Also, make sure to lubricate it with transmission fluid before installing the axle.

Now, I attached a pic below. I highlighted the output shaft sleeve. Is that what came out?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, June 25th, 2022 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Thank you, Joe. Yes, that's the part that came out it does not want to reseat. What can I do?
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Sunday, June 26th, 2022 AT 5:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If the sleeve is what came out, first, it can't be reused. It must be replaced. Second, there should be a snap ring on the stub shaft (part in the transmission that the axle splines into) that has come off.

Do me a favor. I attached the directions for the removal of the sleeve. Take a look through them. The directions mention the snap ring. Either it fell off or you are trying to install the sleeve over it which is preventing it from fully seating.

Let me know. Note: These are the removal directions. Installation is the opposite. There is a special tool that is used to fully install it. It is GM tool number J-41228. You may find a parts store that can lend one to you, but they really aren't too common. The directions mention a specific puller. Since it is already loose, that shouldn't be needed.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, June 26th, 2022 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Thank you, Joe. So, I need to take the transmission apart to remove the sleeve is what you are saying.
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Monday, June 27th, 2022 AT 9:23 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If you are only removing the sleeve, the transmission doesn't need to be taken apart. If it is already loose, you should be able (once the cv axle is removed) to remove the snap ring and remove it. However, you will need to replace it. The directions indicate not to reuse it.

If I had to guess, I suspect that is because it would get damaged by the puller, but you won't need to do that since it's already loose. Also, I have a feeling the snap ring was lost at some point which led to the sleeve coming loose.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, June 27th, 2022 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Thank you, Joe. I'm going to give it a try.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 4:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

You are very welcome. Let me know how things turn out for you or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Will do, thank you.
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Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

I haven't heard from you for a couple of days. Have you been able to make any progress? I'm just interested in knowing if the problem is resolved.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Hi Joe, sorry for the late response. I got the axle shaft in and heard the rings snap into place but it's still sticking out a little bit. Should the axle shaft be flush with the transmission?
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Friday, July 1st, 2022 AT 7:44 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

No problem. If you had the clip in place and you heard it attach, it should be correct. How far is it sticking out? Could you take a couple of pics and upload them for me to see?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, July 1st, 2022 AT 9:15 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Hi Joe, it's sticking out about an inch.
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Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 AT 5:17 AM
Tiny
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I would need to see it. If it is properly attached and does not cause issues, that could be how it's designed. Also, are you reinstalling the original axle shaft, or have you gotten a new one? I had a "direct fit" replacement that was about an inch longer. I finally figured out the issue when measuring the original shaft and the new one.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 AT 9:15 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Hi Joe, I installed a new direct fit" replacement didn't think to measure the two this might be the reason it's out by an inch, but I got it all together and it seems to be fine. Thanked you Joe.
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it is working fine, you should be okay. However, if anything changes, let me know and I'll try my best to help. Interestingly, it could simply be a different design as well.

Take care and I hope you have a good 4th of July. And please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome.

Joe
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Sunday, July 3rd, 2022 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
JJAMES60
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Thank you, Joe. Happy 4th of July.
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Monday, July 4th, 2022 AT 8:52 AM

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