CV axle won't go into engine
 

This has got to the most frustrating job I ever did. I was able to remove passenger side CV axle. C clip came out just fine. But for god's sake, I can't put the replacement CV axle back into the transfer case, I even reused the old c clip. The last 3/4 inches just doesn't want to go in. I can feel the splines are engaged, because when I turn passenger side hub, I can see driver's wheel is turning with it.

So is there some special trick to put axel in all the way? I don't want to hammer on the axle, to cause more damage or pinch the new boots. All the videos and instructions seem to indicate the axle should slide right in.

Please help, I have been working on this 1 axel for last 3 nights. I need my X5 back :dunno:

Your best bet is to go to the gym, in 6 months time you should be able to muscle it in. If you need it a little earlier than that get a brass hammer and give it a little tap, just tap it in.

http://www.hollywoodmemorabilia.com/...47fbd58ef2.jpg

I had the same problem when I did my driver's side axel. brute force is the only way. You have to make sure the inner hub is perfectly strait when going in. Any side load will keep the clip from compessing evenly and it won't go in.

Needs a good thump

I concur. You can also use a soft faced dead blow hammer and a block of wood. Place it on the face of the hub. To keep it level, you can use a jack stand. Once everything is lined up. Start tapping. once the spines are good and you are up to the C-clip. Take a deep break and give it a good hit. It should bring it the rest of the way home.

Having done this repair in the last few weeks...make sure it's level and have a helper push it in or tap it home.
I found having a friends help was invaluable.

I bet you're questioning how can it not be level when you have the splines engaged?! Trust me...it's not level if you can't get the clip to engage! Just have to play with it.

Don't play with it too long.... They say you'll go blind!! Lol!!

Just kidding....

Get the BFH and love tap it!

Good luck!

That happened to me in the past.
Remove the axle, make sure the C clip is still OK, rotate the axle 90° and re-insert it. With all the joints aligned, give it a good push by holding the axle with both hands and using your body as a weight transfer.
If it doesn't go in, rotate it again an additional 90° and try again.
It should work.
Just be careful with the seal, not to damage it.

Agree w/turbo 100%.

What worked fine for me was rotate and retry a few times and pops in with a nice click. Have not had to whack with anything to seat it.