Help: axle doesn't spin after trans rebuild

[jungspike]

I installed my engine and trans today (first time). The trans was removed because, it spun the pinon shaft bearing and it took out 5th gear. While waiting for trans to come back, I dis-sembled the CV joints and repacked with grease. Today, when installing the CV joints, I turned the driver's axle to get to another CV joint bolt, it turned, but felt like the brake was dragging. When I attempted to turn it again, it would barely move. Why? Passenger's axle spins freely. I also ensured the trans is in neutral by watching the crankshaft pulley while turning the axle. Now, I can’t turn the axle at all. The engine and trans are completely installed except for the clutch cable. Unfortunately, I don’t remember spinning the axle flanges on transmission before I started the install.

I removed the brake pads to ensure the brake was not binding. I checked the parking brake is off by ensuring there is slack in the cable (wiggling from back). I was tired and frustrated, so I called it a day.

I will drive the 40 minutes back tomorrow and continue trouble shooting. First thing I’ll do is remove the CV joint & axle. Then, I’ll check for binding in the transmission by hand turning the axle flange at the transmission/differential. If it doesn’t turn, then what? Pull the tranny back out? Oh boy, I think my engine drop team may quit. Any other ideas of things to check?

Thanks in advance Pelicans!
Tim

[sc_rufctr]

It may not be the trans at all.

Did you replace your CV joint bolts? If these are a little longer than OEM they can interfere with the trailing arm.

[Trackrash]

I agree with your removing the axle. I think you can start the trouble shooting by just removing the CV from the trans. No need to completely remove the entire axle. You will then be able to isolate the problem. Hopefully just a rock in the brake.....or too long bolts.

[pete3799]

Did you assemble the CV's correctly? If you put them together wrong they'll bind up.
This is how it should look

This one is assembled wrong

[jungspike]

OEM bolts... but I'm sure you guys are essentially correct. One of the bolts on the CV joint on the wheel side is probably not fully tight and is scraping the trailing arm. I thought I finger tightened all of them and was going to torque all the bolts after I finger tightened all the bolts on all 4 CV joints. I was tired and rushing because I so excited to take the car for a ride.

Thanks,

[jungspike]

Pretty sure I assembled them correctly. Small on inside spider lines up with large section on outside ring. I thought it was imossible to get all the balls in if it was wrong, but your picture proves me wrong. I'll check my work.

[VFR750]

It is pretty easy to assemble the cv incorrectly. If you did, the axel would be locked into one position. The fact that you can rotate the other side is a good thing. That means the differential is working.

It does not mean the transmission is not jammed. But you will know the second you unbolt the cv.

Good luck!

[JJ 911SC]

Did you you undo the CV joint on the wheel side?

If yes, as per sc_rufctr, about being too long. BTDT

[jungspike]

It was the boot! I am using an after-market boot which is made out of sheet metal. The OEM boot has a approx. 1/4 inch metal ring to hold the bolts. So, when I was tightening the CV joint bolts they were penetrating 1/4 inch deeper causing binding on the far side.

Car is running!!!

I appreciate the help,
Tim