Putting the axle back into the joint - retaining clip

[DirtScaresMe]

Any secrets for this? Have the inner axle off, trying to get it back in the joint but there's a ring screwing with me.

 

[mct75]

Getting the axle inside the birfield? Use a zip tie on the snap ring.

 

[mdawg]

I just did this two weekends ago. I used a hose clamp to compress the ring in the groove. I don't have the link handy, but Jonesy's 4x4 on YouTube has a front axle rebuild that shows how to do this. It's very easy.

 

[mdawg]

I just did this two weekends ago. I used a hose clamp to compress the ring in the groove. I don't have the link handy, but Jonesy's 4x4 on YouTube has a front axle rebuild that shows how to do this. It's very easy.

... and to elaborate some, once the hose clamp is on fairly firm and the ring is seated in the groove, turn the birf upright so that you can begin to insert the axle in to it (lining up the teeth in the birf with the teeth on the axle. Once lined up, tap the spindle side of the birf on a piece of wood; the weight of the axle above should push the axle into the birf while keeping the ring in place. Now you can loosen the hose clamp and continue seating the axle in to the birf.

 

[izzyandsue]

Hose clamp worked great on OEM birfs, look it up on YouTube, few videos out there. Some aftermarket ones, like Nitro, the ziptie is the only way.

 

[Rifleman]

I just did this two weekends ago. I used a hose clamp to compress the ring in the groove. I don't have the link handy, but Jonesy's 4x4 on YouTube has a front axle rebuild that shows how to do this. It's very easy.

Hose clamp worked great on OEM birds, look it up on YouTube, few videos out there. Some aftermarket ones, like Nitro, the ziptie is the only way.

This X 3

 

[midfat]

If you have trouble with the zip tie or hose clamp method, as I did, here's how I resolved it: First, get the ring compressed on the axle via the method discussed (zip tie or hose clamp). Set the splines of the axle into the birf. For this next step, DONT WIMP OUT! Give the birf a solid jolt to drive the axle in. Use the Jonsey method. If you jam, it will be right in the split of the lock ring. It binds as the ring hits the splines. At this point, get a small screw driver and a hammer and give a tap on section of the lock ring that's causing the issue. This should get the ring to clear the splines and the the axle will drop fully into the birf. Good luck!

 

[Rifleman]

I don't know if it makes any difference or not, but when i did this job i installed brand new snap rings. When i took my biffs apart, i noticed the old snap rings had marks on them caused by the splines in the CV joints.. So if your using your old snap rings, they may be hanging up on the CV joints as you try to move the axle forward because of those burrs.

 

[Malleus]

The part you're interested in is at timestamp 9:30

 

[RaleighCJ]

Use large wide zip ties. I had issues but was able to do it no problem after buying wider zips

 

[shocktower]

I have done it several times and the Hose clap method is great