Right Rear Axle Fell Out, Couple of Questions

[Beezle]

I just got done doing a brake job today on my 91 Talon TSI AWD. I put on brand new calipers, rotors and brake pads. As I was driving testing out my breaks (weren't working at first because I didn't bleed em right), I was doing about 20mph and then all of a sudden I hear a clinking noise. I had to drive it home, it was only about a 3 min drive. I jacked up the rear and saw that the right rear axle fell out. Could I have messed up my rear end by driving with the axle out? Also, how would I go about putting it back in? Looks like if I took off the wheel off I could just slide the axle back into the rear.

I took a picture but it's kind of hard to see.

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[GVR4592]

Are you sure it's not broken? I've never seen that happen before without breaking something. Does it still have the retaining clip on the end?

 

[droppinbottom]

How does it just fall out? Did you break the 3/4 bolts that hold it to th hub?

 

[Beezle]

I'm not really sure. Couldn't really look at it since it was dark outside. Tomorrow I'm going to look at it good. The bolt that holds it to the hub can't be broken because it still snug in it. It's only disconnected at the rear end. If the retaining clip fell off, could the axle fall out then?

 

[droppinbottom]

It could be possible if the retaining clip came off. Man when I swapped mine out I had to pry to get the darn things out. As long as the teeth on it are not all messed up from dragging across the pavement it should be fine

 

[Beezle]

It could be possible if the retaining clip came off. Man when I swapped mine out I had to pry to get the darn things out. As long as the teeth on it are not all messed up from dragging across the pavement it should be fine

It didn't even fall to the ground when it became disconnect. It sat there against the rear differential and I guess when the differential was spinning it was making that clinking noise by hitting the axle. Hopefully the teeth arenth messed up. Also, if I don't have the retaining clip, is it something you think I can pick up at a local auto parts store?

EDIT: Also I'm gonna change the fluid in the diff while I'm at it. What do I put in it? Gear oil?

 

[GVR4592]

Rear diff fluid is GL-5 hypoid gear oil. Let us know what you find out when you get a chance to inspect it in the daylight.

 

[Beezle]

Just checked it out. The teeth at the end of the axle, near the rear diff are broken. So is the boot. There's also a medal ring that's after the boot that's all bent up.