Halfshaft stuck in differential!
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh PA
Halfshaft stuck in differential!
I replaced the left halfshaft in my C5Z... the stock unit came out fine and I replaced it with this aftermarket unit: GSP NCV10999
I didn't like the way the big floppy aftermarket CV boot touches the shock mount. I decided to pull it and use a genuine GM halfshaft.
However, I cannot get the aftermarket unit out of the diff! I bought a 10lb slide hammer plus the attachment that fits behind the inner CV and slammed away with no effect.
I then bought the "axle popper" wedge fork that you drive between the diff and inner CV... no go!
Any other options?
The aftermarket splines felt a little tight going into the diff... but I didn't expect this kind of trouble getting it out.
I didn't like the way the big floppy aftermarket CV boot touches the shock mount. I decided to pull it and use a genuine GM halfshaft.
However, I cannot get the aftermarket unit out of the diff! I bought a 10lb slide hammer plus the attachment that fits behind the inner CV and slammed away with no effect.
I then bought the "axle popper" wedge fork that you drive between the diff and inner CV... no go!
Any other options?
The aftermarket splines felt a little tight going into the diff... but I didn't expect this kind of trouble getting it out.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 11
Light tension on axle (from someone helping you.) Pickle fork between diff and axle. Then tap the pickle fork lightly with hammer, until the axle moves past the axle retainer clip on the splines. Watch PF angle because you don't want to score the seal on the diff.
Last edited by cbell3186; Jan 9, 2017 at 04:23 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 48
From: Nathalie VA
St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18
The relief for the cir-clip could be slightly larger on the aftermarket piece. Get a buddy and try the pickle fork and slide hammer at the same time.
There is a chance the cir-clip, that holds the OPS inside the diff, could come loose first. In that case you will need to remove the diff from the car, disassemble, retrieve the clip, and reassemble the clip. This scenario is very time consuming, and will make you want to burn your car to the ground. Hopefully you get the axle loose.
If the worse case issues happens don't try to disassemble the diff in the car as there isn't enough room. Go ahead and pull the drive train out.
You could disassemble the aftermarket axle, drill out a relief and use a 3 arm puller to press out the axle, but this would be a last resort.
There is a chance the cir-clip, that holds the OPS inside the diff, could come loose first. In that case you will need to remove the diff from the car, disassemble, retrieve the clip, and reassemble the clip. This scenario is very time consuming, and will make you want to burn your car to the ground. Hopefully you get the axle loose.
If the worse case issues happens don't try to disassemble the diff in the car as there isn't enough room. Go ahead and pull the drive train out.
You could disassemble the aftermarket axle, drill out a relief and use a 3 arm puller to press out the axle, but this would be a last resort.
Last edited by CamminC5; Jan 10, 2017 at 11:49 AM.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh PA
Thanks for the advice!
I did get the axle out... I needed an extra hammer extension and a buddy holding the axle & slide hammer shaft in place while I used both arms and threw my full weight against the hammer!
No "light tapping" LOL
I did get the axle out... I needed an extra hammer extension and a buddy holding the axle & slide hammer shaft in place while I used both arms and threw my full weight against the hammer!
No "light tapping" LOL
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
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Last edited by Bill Curlee; Jan 12, 2017 at 02:51 PM.
