03 Blazer. Been working on replacing my CV axle for two days now. Cannot seem to get the CV into the diff. I've turned it different ways, pounded on the flat spots on the tri-pot with a hammer and pry bar, nothing. This is my third CV axle replacement, so not my first time. The other times didn't seem this difficult. Any tricks to get this thing in there?

Edit: Hour later, still can't get the f'ing thing in. I don't understand it. The old CV will go back in quite easily, new one just won't budge.

 

Did you put some grease on the axle end to hold the clip against the shaft? I had no problem when I did the left side, but the right side did not want to go in either until I put a small dab of grease on the clip.

Good luck.

 

After doing more internet searching, I found that you're supposed to make sure that the gap in the snap ring is facing up before trying to install the axle. I did have grease an the splines and the snap ring, but it didn't seem to make a difference.

Anyway doesn't matter now. I got pissed and ended up putting the old CV back in (of course it would snap into place with no effort) since it was still usable but noisy. I needed to drive it to work. Will try again soon. Especially since I put a small hole in my lower ball joint boot, so I guess I have no choice but to take it apart again.