Have a 98 Blazer 4X4, automatic.

Replacing the upper and lower ball joints on the RH side and noticed that the drive axle had been slinging lube from the boot. Decided to go ahead and replace drive axle/half shaft while I had things apart. When I pulled the drive axle (type with snap ring on shaft) the axle extension (that goes thru the output shaft tube), came out with the axle. When I went to put it back in, it doesn't want to go. I centered the small part of the shaft on the diff side the best I could. I had to drive it in. May have screwed up.... I don't know how far in it is supposed to be. May be too far, may be not enough. Should the outboard end be flush with the seal? I lack about 1/4 inch being flush and when you rotate it, you can feel a roughness, like something is catching each spline.

I have tried to get it back out... so far, no go. I was trying to pry with a screwdriver in the slot that the snap ring goes.

Sure need some good advise. I knew everything was going a little bit too well!

Terry Dannar
Sand Springs, Ok.

 

STOP!!!!!.......DO NOT finish assembly of this! When you pull the axle extension.(the one inside the tube that connects the right halfshaft to the front diff.) there is a thrust washer between it and the stub shaft in the diff. that drops down when the axle extension is pulled out. I'm sure from your description that you have mangled the thrust washer at least...so you need to pull the tube off and replace it and inspect the other parts for damage. you will need to drain the diff. and remove the actuator cable (don't unthread it...just remove the three bolts that hold the small housing on the tube and pull out on it enough to expose the retainer..then you can stick in a small screwdriver and release the retainer and pull out the cable/housing). next take off the other 2 bolts that hold the tube to the diff. and then the 2 bolts/nuts that support the right side of the tube just below the starter motor. Then you can remove the tube and check for damage. I'll try to get you a pic of the exploded parts view for re-assembly.

 

here's the pic...let us know if you need more help.

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You hit the nail DIRECTLY on the head!

I removed the output shaft and when I pulled it out , the washer was down toward the bottom and had a nice little 1/4 moon out of one edge. The output shaft seems ok, burred slightly. It looks like the pilot bearings left a mark. The pilot bearings "look" OK. The thrust washer is not so good. Hopefully dealer will have it.

The hole in the thrust washer is much larger than the small end of the output shaft.

To reassemble, I assume that the thrust washer is just placed on the end of the output shaft as shown in the photo and then the assy is inserted into the pilot bearing, then slide the output shaft tube over it? What kind of sealer is recommended for the output tube to diff?

Once all this is together, what is the best way to seat the half shaft?

THANKS FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE!

Terry


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When you assemble your parts, coat them with vasaline so they will stay together.
GM uses an anarobic sealer. You can buy a small tube at the dealer. Make sure your surfaces are clean and free of oil before you apply the sealer.