driver side axle stuck

matt_fulghum · Post by **matt_fulghum** » February 22nd, 2005, 9:51 pm

for some reason, my passenger side axle came out no problem, but my driver side axle is stuck in the transmission really hard... I have no idea why... I've tried a crowbar, screwdrivers... everything... any advice people?

ertaisi · Post by **ertaisi** » February 22nd, 2005, 10:22 pm

According to the online manual, set an expendable nut flush against the end of the axle and tap it with a copper hammer.

Maybe you can help me out too. Is disconnecting the engine mount member necessary? If so, I'm going to have to pay to have my axles replaced, I don't have any way to support the engine.

matt_fulghum · Post by **matt_fulghum** » February 22nd, 2005, 11:18 pm

that expendable nut is for removing the axles from the wheel assembly... I'm trying to get it out of the transmission itself... it's just dangling there off the end of my engine

What are you trying to do that requires disconnecting the engine mount member? Replacing the axles should be relatively straightforward, unless you get a stuck one like mine

ertaisi · Post by **ertaisi** » February 23rd, 2005, 1:37 am

I'm guessing the reason you put the nut between the axle and hammer is so you're not hammering directly on the axle. Tapping on the axle will break it loose, I assume.

According to the online manual, you need to remove the member as part of the process of getting to the axle...but since you're down to removing the axle and it sounds like you didn't mess with it, it's not necessary.

Tric · Post by **Tric** » February 23rd, 2005, 2:13 am

they had a hell of a time getting my one side out last time I had them replaced the guys at mazda used a big pri-bar! but it came out after lots of tugging!! they said it was cause some of the after market axles lock rings are in very very snug!

guyaverage · Post by **guyaverage** » February 23rd, 2005, 6:51 am

I know it probably took me an hour to do my driver side axle. Put the tranny in neutral and rotate the axle 1/2 turn or so, then try again. If it doesnt come out, rotate it a little bit more then pry again. Its best to have someone jiggle it and pull while you pry with a bar.

matt_fulghum · Post by **matt_fulghum** » February 23rd, 2005, 9:35 am

I know the tranny's in neutral, so... hmmm....

On that note, for some reason, when I put it into gear, and turn the axle, it turns no problem, even though it's hooked up to the engine... is that just because of the differential? The other side rotates in the opposite direction it seems, so I don't think it's a problem, just weird. I know I installed the clutch right. What I'm NOT sure about is if I installed the throwout bearing right... I can move the clutch fork in and out, with almost no resistance, so I don't know if the throwout bearing is still on there.... I hope it is, but I guess I should take the engine off just to make sure. When I pull the clutch fork further out of the engine, it's got very little wiggle room, so it seems correct.