2G 2G rear CV axle loose in diff

[VBR_DSM]

I’m in the process of putting the rear end back together on my AWD Talon. I’m reusing the same CV axles, just replaced the boots.

The left rear (driver side) went into the diff without any issues and it’s in there nice and tight. However, the right rear (passenger side) goes into the diff but it’s loose in the diff. You can grab the green axle cup and push it in and out, see attached video.

Is this normal for the right rear CV axle? This doesn’t feel right to me. I definitely don’t remember it being like that before taking it off. If it’s supposed to be tight like the left rear, any recommendations on why it’s not going in and an engaging all the way within the diff?

Any help is appreciated!

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[Justin DuBois]

I assume there is a spring C-Clip in the groove in the end of the axel? I thought that would snap into place when all the way in.

 

[VBR_DSM]

I assume there is a spring C-Clip in the groove in the end of the axel? I thought that would snap into place when all the way in.

Yes, the C-Clip is in the groove at the end of the axle.

 

[Pjj]

did you put the correct one in on each side? the one wont seat properly if you swapped them by accident. done that

 

[VBR_DSM]

did you put the correct one in on each side? the one wont seat properly if you swapped them by accident. done that

Yes, I labeled them when I took them off. But to make sure I didn’t swap them by accident, I have the short shaft on the left rear and the long shaft on the right rear

 

[VBR_DSM]

Yes, I labeled them when I took them off. But to make sure I didn’t swap them by accident, I have the short shaft on the left rear and the long shaft on the right rear

I confirmed they are in the correct spot on each side. I also popped off the axle and took a picture of the C-Clip, see attached.

Please let me know if anything looks off.

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[VBR_DSM]

Trying to source a new C-Clip to see if it solves the issue. However, I’m find it extremely difficult to find a replacement. Another thread listed mb896917 being a direct replacement but can’t find it for sale anywhere. Anyone have any leads?

 

[midoko]

A couple thoughts.
-Make sure the dust/dirt shield is all the way against that joint cup, maybe it could prevent the axle going all the way in. Which brings up another question: Are the dust covers the same depth (L vs R)? Got switched if they were off?
-Not sure if US Mitsu/Chrysler dealers would still have them, but still available in Japan. They're like $5, but $11 to ship to USA, and takes a couple weeks.
-The manual says to replace them every time. I never have, and many people don't. Only reason I could think it matters is if they get compressed after a couple uses, then they don't expand enough to hold the axle firmly in the side gear. On that reasoning, I have expanded them a little before reinstalling. But I haven't ever looked closely to see how tight they were.
-ASA CAPS has revised part numbers. Take a look below. Item 1 is the left axle, 2 is the right. Black P/N is original, red is the new one. Notice the Part Spec column shows the circlip diameters for the new ones are about 3mm smaller. That makes me think the wire diameter on the new clips is thicker to make up the difference between the clip and the side gear after the axle is installed...to keep it snug. In the morning I'll go out and see if mine has any play.

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[luv2rallye]

Could a previous owner put the wrong one in?
Try comparing and measuring thickness and diameter with the other side's one.

 

[VBR_DSM]

A couple thoughts.
-Make sure the dust/dirt shield is all the way against that joint cup, maybe it could prevent the axle going all the way in. Which brings up another question: Are the dust covers the same depth (L vs R)? Got switched if they were off?
-Not sure if US Mitsu/Chrysler dealers would still have them, but still available in Japan. They're like $5, but $11 to ship to USA, and takes a couple weeks.
-The manual says to replace them every time. I never have, and many people don't. Only reason I could think it matters is if they get compressed after a couple uses, then they don't expand enough to hold the axle firmly in the side gear. On that reasoning, I have expanded them a little before reinstalling. But I haven't ever looked closely to see how tight they were.
-ASA CAPS has revised part numbers. Take a look below. Item 1 is the left axle, 2 is the right. Black P/N is original, red is the new one. Notice the Part Spec column shows the circlip diameters for the new ones are about 3mm smaller. That makes me think the wire diameter on the new clips is thicker to make up the difference between the clip and the side gear after the axle is installed...to keep it snug. In the morning I'll go out and see if mine has any play.

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Good point, I’ll check that the dust shield is all the against the axle cup. However, they didn’t get swapped out. Cups and shields were never disassembled.

Good info on the revised part numbers. This confirms I’m looking for the correct part (MB896917). I wouldn’t mind sourcing from Japan. Never done that before. Are there any sites you’d recommend?

Thank you for checking your axle for play. Let me know what you find out.

 

[VBR_DSM]

Could a previous owner put the wrong one in?
Try comparing and measuring thickness and diameter with the other side's one.

I looked up the part numbers online and compared parameters to confirm correct shaft size and locations. Short shaft on LR and long shaft on RR.

 

[luv2rallye]

I was referring to the C-Clip thickness and diameter.

 

[VBR_DSM]

I was referring to the C-Clip thickness and diameter.

Got it. The diameter of the LR shaft and C-Clip are substantially larger than the RR. Confirmed they are in the right spot. The LR fits nice and snug in the diff. I’ll have to measure the RR clip to make sure it’s within spec.

Thanks for helping me troubleshoot this thing!

 

[midoko]

Meant to revise my thread. I'm going to scope it out, but its been raining for days. Might get a clearing Tuesday afternoon.
Another thing, I was wondering how much L/R play the side gears have, or are supposed to have. Asking because, what if the circlip for the right axle is not all the way through the gear? Maybe you could pull the left axle and look through that side to see if the clip is through the gear and expanded. If not, maybe have someone push on it (gear) from the left while you tap on the right axle to get it through.
I did look around a bit to see how much the axle is supposed to move but couldn't find anything. Maybe you could call TRE or Jack's transmission folks and ask them??

 

[midoko]

After all that, I'm seeing 2G at the top of your thread Sorry. My car is a 90 with a 4-bolt swap, but maybe they're not so different, I don't know.

The rain stopped long enough for me to go out and check mine. Looks like the same movement on mine. Left side moved less, maybe half as much.

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[VBR_DSM]

After all that, I'm seeing 2G at the top of your thread Sorry. My car is a 90 with a 4-bolt swap, but maybe they're not so different...I don't know. The rain stopped long enough for me to go out and check mine. Looks like the same movement on mine. Left side moved less, maybe half as much.

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I’m not an expert either but my understanding is that the LSD inner cup of 1G and 2G inner axle cup are the same or similar, at the very least.

Thank you for crawling under your car to check and making a video, especially with rain on and off! Exemplary DSM community partner!

Maybe that play isn’t uncommon then. I was scared to add diff fluid thinking it would just leak out from the small gap .
I’ll put the axle back in this weekend, add fluid, and cross my fingers it doesn’t leak.
I wonder if it will rattle while driving. Does yours rattle?

 

[midoko]

You should be able to see at what point the axle hits the seal. I think that last part of the axle is at least 1/2" wide.

 

[VBR_DSM]

You should be able to see at what point the axle hits the seal. I think that last part of the axle is at least 1/2" wide.

Both axles are in, play is still there. Added fluid last night with no leaks. I’ll update when it’s running. Thanks for all the help!