How to replace 1994 Honda Accord axle?

Is the new axle OEM or aftermarket?

While the two (old and new) are out, put them side by side on some newspaper on the floor and look *carefully* at each section to ensure they are the same length and have the same features. The inner CV joint should telescope in and out - it is possible to pop it apart so the joint won't telescope. If that happens, you have to finagle with it - like setting a broken arm but without the hollering - until it slides back together.

If they are the same, be sure the inner end actually snaps into place. If it pulls out with little effort (don't pull by the main part of the shaft unless you want to go back to the previous paragraph) it didn't snap. The outer part, where the splines fit into the hub, will undoubtedly have a lot of friction. Lightly grease the splines before fitting them together and be prepared to push a lot.

Now I will stir up a controversy. Some manly people tell me they get the splines together enough to get the nut started by muscle power. Rocking side to side helps. More power to them; that is ideal. I usaully end up banging on the hub with the butt end of about 2 feet of 2x4, thus abusing the wheel bearings. Bang on one side and then the other, just hard enough to make progress. I don't have a real mallet with enough mass to do the job without really whaling on the hub, so I use the 2x4. I haven't had to replace any bearings yet, which is my standard of "good enough." BTW - I have sometimes had to use the same 2x4 to snap the inner splines in place (previous paragraph). Run the nut on flush with the end to protect the threads first.

Once the nut has a couple threads to grab, use the nut with a socket and gentle torque to draw the splines together. Put the washer under the nut when you can. Be sure to torque the nut to spec before dogging the washer, though, or the slack will let the splines erode and really mess things up.

(It really helps to have a friend hold things straight if you have to wield the 2x4.)

Mike

There are two possibilities I can think of.

1) Splines are the wrong size. (This can happen with cheap remanufactured units.) Go beat the auto parts store manager over the head with the thing. Consider Raxles.com, or new / remanufactured axles from the local Honda stealership. AFAIK, Honda rebuilds them right, and refurbs will work nearly as well as new.

2) C clip out of spec. Does it start to go in, then stop? The retaining clip diameter may be too large. Remove the clip, and squeeze it slightly, tightening the curve a little. Try again. If this works, be sure to give the axle a tug after it is seated, to make sure the clip isn't too small now. If the axle pulls out with ease, widen the clip slightly.

indeed - this is common. not so much the diameter of the ring it's bent into but the narrower diameter of the wire making it "sharper" and more easily snagged on the drive pinion ramps as you try to push it in. remove old clip from old axle and transfer to new axle - will now work fine.