half shaft/tranny removal

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

I read some other peoples related issues to the topics. Basically I was pulling the engine/trans out of my 2g awd eclipse. I couldn't get the entire package out. I tried to remove the transfer case which resulted in my first problem. When I was trying to pry the transfer case free instead of sliding off the spline, the entire shaft came loose from inside the transmission. Then I seperated the transmission which went well, I was able to get my 7 bolt out. I have spent at least 4 hours trying to get the half shafts to pop out. I've tried to push them from the hub inward. I have tried popping them out with a pry bar and many screwdrivers. I gave up and tried tearing the transmission out about 54 different ways with no effect. Then I went back to prying which I was able to get the transmission side to pop out, however it was so severely wedged I was unable to even move the transmission/shafts. After a few attempts to pull the transmission, it popped back into the hole. WHAT THE HELL AM I GOING TO DO?! LONG RANT OVER...

All possible connections have been removed, any possible tips for half shaft removal? (I have tried many screw drivers, many pry bars, and pushing from the hub side inward. I had the best result with a scissor jack which popped the spline out of the transmission however, locked it all up and eventually popped back in.)

Any tips for transmission/half shaft removal without damaging anything?


Anything to be cautious of or to avoid when I begin looking for the bearing or ball which is now freely floating around inside my transmission? (Regarding the output shaft for the transfer case sliding out)

Anyone have tips for when I attempt to put the built engine/trans back into the car?

Tips for sliding the half shafts back into their holes with out hang-ups?(I have the manual, however it isn't very descriptive in the issues at hand)

I would like to thank anyone who reads this for their time and advice in advance.

 

[HIGHPSI4]

The drivers side shaft should not be too hard. There is a retaining clip on the pass side. Take a LARGE cold chisle and lightly drive between the axle and the transmission. You are not cutting but wedging the axle out and keeping pressure against the retaining clip so that it will compress and slide out. If you have the hubs free it will give you more room to work the axles out of the trans.

As for going back in, put the trans/engine together, have the hubs laying out so the axles spread out so that the trans drops down and then slide the alxes in as you lower the engine/trans.

 

[donniekak]

Are they out of the hubs?

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

Yes, they we're out of the hub, even with the knuckle open it was a pain in the ass to get it that extra half inch. Finally I just gave it a good pry and it popped fully free. I was raising the tranny to access the passenger side axle and the boot popped off, as I couldn't see how far I had to go and I should have checked it. Stupid mistake, lesson learned. I was able to remove the tranny this afternoon.

Regarding the output shaft to the transfer case. Once I find the ball, and deal with that. If I push this shaft back in, and line everything up what is going to prevent the fluid from leaking out? How do I know if the seal is still good? I am nervous I'm going to push it back in, fill it up, bolt it together and begin leaking fluid. Any knowledge in this field would certainly be appreciated.

 

[donniekak]

If you are nervous about the seal, they are only a couple bucks at a parts store, or the dealer. To put the shaft back in, take the endcase, and vcu off. The vcu has a clip on it that has to come off first. Put the shaft in, put the ball in the hole, and put the vcu back on.

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

Donnie- I've got to be honest with you. I have never opened a transmission so I am about to pop my transmission cherry when I open this puppy up. I have rebuilt engines, and things of that nature. It seems to me that transmissions are a whole different beast.

On a scale of 1-10 how difficult would you rate opening the vc, end case, finding the ball, and replacing the seal?

Any things I should be cautious of, or look out for while opening, repairing, or closing up the transmission?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

Donnie- I've got to be honest with you. I have never opened a transmission so I am about to pop my transmission cherry when I open this puppy up. I have rebuilt engines, and things of that nature. It seems to me that transmissions are a whole different beast.

On a scale of 1-10 how difficult would you rate opening the vc, end case, finding the ball, and replacing the seal?

Any things I should be cautious of, or look out for while opening, repairing, or closing up the transmission?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dr Vic]

Ive actually removed my halfshafts twice this month and I know how hard they are to do. I recomend using a slide hammer. Rent a slide hammer from autozone and rent the cv puller with it as well. Use the slide hammer with the cv puller to remove the driver side half shaft from the intermediate shaft. Then pull the intermediate shaft off by taking off the two bolts from the back of the engine block. Now get a wire clothes hanger and make a loop and attach it to the rectangular piece that attaches to the slide hammer. I have a pic of it but I cant get it off my camera. Ill have to find the wire to sync it. loop the wire over the passenger side cv and attach it to the slide hammer. Now you can use the slide hammer to take out the passenger side cv. The cv puller will not fit in the passenger side of the trans because its too tight. If you want I can send you the pic of the tool.

 

[Afroclipse]

that happened to me when I removed the transfer case from tranny, lucky for me I was swapping it fron auto to manual so its still sitting in my garage with the shaft sticking out.

 

[DaRKSiDeGSX]

I just got back from the beach so I'll be taking on this issue this week. I pray things go smoothly as I haven't done any transmission work personally.