rmoltis build thread 96 aspire

[rmoltis]

Went and got everything buttoned up and back together.
Then filled my trans with fluid.
To my suprised the transmission axle seal was leaking.

I seemed to have overlooked this seal during the planning phase.
Or else I would have had new ones put in before axles went in.

So basically I went from done to the driver side suspension is taken apart again.

Only problem is...
The new axle is really putting up a fight with me.
I tried for hours today doing the same things I did to the factory one I took out originally.

It just doesn't want to come out.
Any help would be appreciated.


I use the same tricks I always use on axles.

Tap and center the circlip by tapping and rotating, the prying.

And the biggest problem is these are brand new axles.
I can't destroy them trying to get them out.

And I don't want to break down the passenger side too if I don't have to.

Best bet would be if I had a lift so I could pry from directly underneath.

Any help is appreciated.

[rickbz28]

I replied over on FA.com

[rmoltis]

That tool is exactly what im looking for rick!

[Movin]

The double pry tippy tippy can use the inherent ramp in the groove to compress the spring and pop it. The big bad hammer using the opposite side driver tool is also real good at compressing the clip and does not require so much educated skill in feeling and compressing the cir-clip. Other ways as well and lots of discussion on site but after many years of doing this the above is what I rely on. Maybe I lied, there is a whole lot of good luck involved!! Have fun, a good hammer is the best stress reliever tool ever!!

[rmoltis]

Got the slide hammer axle puller w from AutoZone just now.
I'm on my way home from work.

Next step is to head over to my car and attempt to continue the c.v. joint removal process.
I have a strong feeling it will work this time.

[fastivaca]

If your original axle comes out of the transmission easily save the clip and use it on the new axle. That way the risk of the new axle getting stuck is greatly reduced.

[rmoltis]

the tool worked great. the slide hammer and inner CV joint puller work flawlessly. axle came out with in first 5 slide hammer impactse

[rickbz28]

Good to hear. Now you can get it all back together again.

[rmoltis]

Yes... but... while hammering.
I was hammering on the axle with a half soft/ half stiff plastic mallet.
Slipped and hit my pinky.
Usually I am very cautious and safe.
I tend to rarely get hurt
Went to the doctor....It was broken.
This pain is horrible. Who knew a tiny spot could hurt so f'ing bad.
I cried when they had to set it lol.
I consider myself to be tough and had a high pain tolerance. .. not here.

My fiancee was sad about the incident but was happy watching me.
Because it was a side she hadn't seen before, Unbearable pain side.

[rickbz28]

Sorry to hear that. At least it will feel better once the pain stops. Ha Ha

[rmoltis]

Sorry to hear that. At least it will feel better once the pain stops. Ha Ha

At least one person cares lol

On the plus side. They put me on hydrocodone.
It is not strong enough to get rid of the pain tho.
Maybe %25 of it.

But it sure does help me sleep

[eurotiva]

Glad you're ok

[rmoltis]

It has been about 5 days since my finger got broken

It is still not close to being healed.
But today with my lone right hand I got the remaining things put back together.
There wasn't much. Just to place the driver side knuckle on the control arm.
Insert and tighten top 2 lower strut bolts.
And insert and tighten lower pinch bolt, nut, and locknut.
Reconnect and adjust inner tie rod end to outer.
Then torque everything down including axle retainer ring.
And can't forget to stake the nut onto the axle.

Then installing wheels.
Removing jack stands & lowering vehicle.

All that is left is.

Torque down lug nuts on wheels

Get tires rotated

Get baseline alignment done.

Then proceed from here.


here is a picture of the beast sitting back together in its cave
Look at all that tire to fender clearance :-D


It will be a couple weeks before I can use my left hand for driving.
So For now it sits.

[rickbz28]

I bet it feels good to have your Aspire back on all four. Keep up the good work.

[Advancedynamix]

Good to see it back on the ground!
You can't drive with a broken pinky? I've raced a motorcycle with a broken ring finger. An Aspire is easier to hang on to than a 125 mx bike. But, I guess it all depends on how it's broken, and the type of splint.