How to Install a Transaxle Half Shaft
Installing a transaxle shaft can be rather difficult as it is an integral part of the complex transmission powertrain of a front-wheel-drive car. The half shaft transfers rotational force from the transmission to one of the drive wheels, and because of this, it is important to perform the repair properly if you want your car to work. This will require jacking the car up on stands so you can properly access the car's underbody and powertrain.
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Instructions
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Lift the car with a pair of jacks until the front end is raised. Jack up the vehicle only on flat, dry ground; preferably a cement driveway or garage floor. Ensure that your workspace is well lighted.
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2
Wrap the constant velocity (CV) boot around the hole on the transmission where the old transaxle was. It will be the only fist-sized port on the transmission and can be easily seen. Do not apply grease yet; leave the boot unlubricated for now. Wrap the boot band around the circumference; this can be done by hand.
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3
Slide the spider assembly into the the CV boot by hand until the components fit snugly. No tools are necessary; just push firmly with your hands. Apply a liberal amount of grease to the inside of the CV boot and slide the spider assembly inside of the transmission side CV boot. Do this by hand, with a firm push until the assembly snaps into place.
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4
Slide the half shaft into the transmission port (now covered by a CV boot). It will fit snugly but will still need to be supported by hand. Slide the wheel CV boot over wheel end of the half axle and then slide the free end of the half axle into the wheel's axle port. Screw the axle lug into place by hand to hold the half axle in place.
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5
Tighten the half axle with a hand wrench until it is snug. Apply grease liberally over the assembly and then slide the wheel end CV boot down the half axle onto the wheel's lug assembly. Attach the boot by hand over the circumference of the wheel's CV boot. Tighten both the axle and wheel CV boot bands with a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver, depending on the make and model of your car.
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References
- Photo Credit roue image by Jacques PALUT from Fotolia.com
