1995 Corolla - Don't Think My CV Shaft is Seated All The Way - Tricks?

[BeaterCommuter]

Had to replace the CV seal on the trans as it started leaking.
The PO put in a new CV shaft (5speed/Passenger side) and it leaked

When I got the car it had a pronounced clunking on the pass side. I assumed loose caliper or something. Now I suspect the CV shaft. It is worse since I did my repair and it is not fully seated in the trans as far as I can tell.

I lined up everything and drove it in with a hammer but I think that small snap ring on the end of the splines may be hanging up inside or something.

Solutions? More hammer?

 

[Donabed Kopoian]

Shouldn't need a hammer to drive in a CV shaft. It should snap in place with hand pressure. Chances are, hitting it in with the hammer trashed your new CV shaft and possibly broke the snap ring, which is why it no longer appears fully seated.

Take it out, get a new one (hopefully under warranty) and:

1) Do not hit or strike it, no exceptions
2) Do not turn it while it is bent at extreme angles

Best bet is to remove the spindle completely from the vehicle, get the new halfshaft in place, then slide the spindle on the new halfshaft and re-attach the lower ball joint, outer tie-rod end, and strut.