Thanks TexasHonda. I just woke up, so I haven't made it outside to give this installation another shot. Do you have any comment on my proposed method of applying extra force? Or are you implying that it won't be required if I clean everything up sufficiently?

Anyway, thanks for responding, and I'll post again after I get outside and give it another shot.

p.s.--TexasHonda, your profile doesn't give your location, but for what it's worth I'm in Austin.

 

I don't think slamming it home will hurt anything. You can't build up any significant speed anyway. Don't pull on the shaft or it may separate the inner cv joint. A good lock ring should smoothly snap in place when shaft is inserted. If it doesn't want to go in, I suspect the ring is too tight. Try swapping w/ snap ring from removed shaft, clean, and lube.

I live in Katy, TX.

good luck

 

TexasHonda,

Sorry I haven't posted on here for a while. I did end up giving the outside end of the axle a few smacks with a 5lb sledge and it popped right in. Thanks for your advice regarding this job. I had read about these things popping out after people thought they had them properly installed, so I was a little nervous about it.

Anyhow, I've put about 200 miles on the car since the repair and there haven't been any problems.

By the way, does anyone know what it usually costs to have this repair performed by a shop (for labor). Judging by my experience, I would guess I saved quite a few dollars. Of course, this is the first time I've done it. I'm sure when I end up having to do the other one, it will go a little smoother.

 

Was wondering what type of axles you bought. Also when I did mine I was under the vehicle holding the new shaft in place and had a buddy provide the inward force until it popped into place.

I was not able to get under the car, hold it in place and pop it in myself.

 

jerrym,

I didn't pay attention to what brand it was, but I bought the half axle from O'Reiley's (new, not rebuilt). The way I was able to snap it in without assistance was to insert the inner end far enough to engage the splines, then swung the hub/steering knuckle assembly (I had popped the lower balljoint from the steering knuckle as per Hayne's) out far enough to slide the outer end of the axle through. Then I kind of supported and kept the axle aligned with my left hand, and smacked the outer end a few tmes with a 5lb. hand sledge.

My wife and I tried the two-person method that you described, but neither one of us could put enough force on the axle to pop the spring clip in place. I should mention that I weigh about 145lb, and my wife a little over 100lb, so neither one of us had much leverage.

 

This is slightly off-topic, but I asked in an earlier post if anyone knows what a dealer, shop, or both would charge to replace a half axle on one of these Accords ('97 I4). More generally, I've been wondering what the actual title is of the manual that many mechanics use, that gives the estimated time alotted for specific repairs, and the usual or average charge for repairs. Further, I would like to know if such a manual is available online, even if it would have to be subscribed to or purchased.

Thanks.

 

vltjr,

A few months ago, I quoted Pepboy to replace half shaft on altima 99, the numer is $375 including parts. I think they charge 2 hours for the labor. I guess accord would be around the same. I am in NJ.

 

Hi there. I was doing the same work yesterday on my other car - 2002 Hyundai Elantra. Left shaft popped in without a problem, but the right side what a b**ch. Since the shaft is heavy I thought I can help myself and I hanged it (suspended) on a piece of wire attached to the coil spring. This way I could aligned splines with no effort and using both hands I pushed it in the transmission. Easy .

Good luck.

 

I asked in Hyundai dealership and just the labor for both axles - right and left side - was about $150. I decided to buy some tools and do the job myself .

 

The hardest part on my 97 Accord was getting the 36mm axle nuts off, after that the job was not too bad. The drivers side was a little more difficult due to the axle being longer. The PS took me about 30 minutes to do.

Glad I did the job myself and saved some $$$$$$