Halfshaft Reinstallation problem

[bsirvine]

Festiva L '92 5 Speed

After installing a new halfshaft, I find I have a terrible leak where the shaft enters the transaxle. I pulled out the old halfshaft using a slidehammer with an "L" attachment. It seemed to come straight out slick as a whistle. Is it possible that I damaged the seal removing the old half shaft? If I went back disassembled everything and tried to tap the halfshaft in further do you think that would make it seal?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,
bsirvine

[PaulLehr]

Did you make sure the axle was seated all the way into the transmission? Every time I pull my axles I replace the seal just to make sure I don't have a problem once its together

[bsirvine]

I thought the shaft was in far enough because I had problems drawing the end through the hub. I didn't replace the seal. I didn't see any seal. Is the seal internal to the transaxle? I don't remember instructions on how to replace the seal in either the haynes or the factory manual. I'll look again when I get home.

The rebuilt halfshaft came with a circlip. I was wondering if I should have heard a "click" when the new halfshaft circlip engaged the transaxle. I suppose that the shaft may not be seated far enough in.

[nonamekid]

It sounds like the axle isn't in all the way. tap the end at the steering knuckle. If you have more than a 1/4" gap between the shaft and the tranny, it probably isn't in all the way.