Difficulty re-inserting driveshafts - help!

-westy- · 21 Apr 2009 at 18:50

Hello,

I've just changed the clutch on my Saab 9-3 - however, upon trying to put the driveshafts back in place, neither one will go back in.

Its the same both sides - they're both about half an inch out. They physically won't go any further.

Has anyone got an idea? We're stuck here, and need the car soon!

Thanks.

Dogbreath · 21 Apr 2009 at 18:55

It's possibly the wire circlips that hold the driveshafts in. If these aren't well centred within the machined grooves in the splined shaft then things tend to jam up. A dab of grease can help to hold them.

Even when they are properly centred, you often need to give the end of the driveshaft a good whack with a soft hammer to get things moving.

Ranger07 · 21 Apr 2009 at 19:02

Dogbreath said:
It's possibly the wire circlips that hold the driveshafts in. If these aren't well centred within the machined grooves in the splined shaft then things tend to jam up. A dab of grease can help to hold them.

Even when they are properly centred, you often need to give the end of the driveshaft a good whack with a soft hammer to get things moving.

Good advice.

-westy- · 21 Apr 2009 at 19:05

Dogbreath said:
It's possibly the wire circlips that hold the driveshafts in. If these aren't well centred within the machined grooves in the splined shaft then things tend to jam up. A dab of grease can help to hold them.

Even when they are properly centred, you often need to give the end of the driveshaft a good whack with a soft hammer to get things moving.

Great advice - however, we've got one shaft in - that has a circlip.

The other doesn't , and won't go any further, its still about half an inch out. Possibly a case of having to knock it in?

-westy- · 21 Apr 2009 at 19:43

One thing I should mention - when trying to remove the driveshaft from the bottom mount, the gearbox end was damaged slightly - it's been filed down to fit properly, however i'm not so sure it is.

Could this be the problem?

Kei · 21 Apr 2009 at 20:00

I do have exploded diagrams of both drive shafts and outer UJ's if they are of any use.

Cant offer any more than that though as i haven't had the need to take my car apart to that extent yet. Although i do have a new intercooler to fit, along with a leather gear gaitor and a whole load of audio equipment.

InvaderGIR · 21 Apr 2009 at 21:20

You broke it. Simples.

Berger · 21 Apr 2009 at 21:28

Attach a wheel to the hub.

Go ape on the wheel, I suggest sitting on the floor with back to a wall and booting it with both feet.