THSCC Forums

ok, so I have a question for all you front-drivers. I'm used to rear-drive stuff, but it's rather difficult to find a rear-drive Mazdaspeed Protege, so I work with what I've got:-) I just dropped a new motor, with forged internals and other goodies into my protege, and am a little baffled by the transmission. In order to get the motor out vertically, I had to remove the half-shaft from the differential(which is incased in the transmission). It was very difficult to do so (4' pry bar and LOTS of pressure), and I couldn't get it back in with the clip on it when I put it back in. I'm wondering if there's a trick to getting it back in there, if a new clip would help, etc. Also, is it going to hurt things if I run it without the clip? It doesn't seem to move; it stays right where I put it, and I've put some cornering stress on it to test it. Thanks for the help!
-Matt McBride
-2003 Mazdaspeed Protege

Put it back in with the clip on. The usually FWD setup has one side with the clip and the other side that's clipless with a center balancing mount. Put that one in first and use it to very slowly spin the transmission as you put pressure on the clip one. Move it in small increments, and it will pop right in. The clip is there for a reason as it keeps the splines intact and limits the amount of play in the shaft. - AB

_________________
'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

Doh! I was hoping you wouldn't say that. I def. tried spinning and pushing, but the clip is just so strong that you can't get it in without totally ruining the CV housing. Any other ideas? How to pry on it without ruining it, and so forth...Many thanks.
-Matt

A small amount of grease on the clip might help.

_________________
In need of car.

The words 'pry' and CV joint shouldn't be used in the same sentence In the future, you're going to want to get slide hammer in order to remove them. Installing them with the clip just takes patience. Keep trying, it'll get in there. - AB

_________________
'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

I think the prying was done to remove the old half shaft. Done at the trans casing just like in the Honda.

In th past to seat the new half shaft I have put some pressure on the hub end of the half shaft to make sure all the play in the CV joints is taken up then kit the end of the axle with a rubber mallet or with a sledge on a piece of wood. Do NOt hit the end of the axle directly with the sldedge!! Yes, sometimes it takes more force than others.

Good luck.

Ron

Ditto what Ron said. I have used the wood / 2 lb sledge method with excellent results on Honda Civic. Didn't really have to hit it very hard either.

_________________
01 NBP ITR
88 Blue Civic DX Hatch
02 GPW S2000