How do you remove the transaxle?

[CheeseHelmet]

I started taking things apart today in order to change my flywheel, clutch, and rear motor mount. I'm following TurfBurn's excellent guide and have gotten to the point where I have to get the transaxle off the car. All the bolts are removed and I can get it separated maybe 1cm. The joint-shaft (aka passenger side driveshaft) is still in the differential and I suspect that's what I'm getting caught up on.

Are there any preparations I need to do to the joint-shaft before I remove the transaxle or am I simply doing something wrong?

 

[wildo]

The only precaution I can think of is to let you know that the tranny is going to leak fluid when removing the half shafts (unless you drained it). I didn't realize this but was luckily able to grab a container pretty quickly.

Other than that- I will say that I have always found it difficult (on multiple vehicles) to get the half shafts out. I would like to hear how people typically do it. I generally use a wide pickle fork, but I go very gentle with it. In general, though, it's only remotely helpful. Surely there is a "standard" method to this...

 

[CheeseHelmet]

I got it out, with more light (and being less tired) it slowly wiggled out. I had already drained it, mainly because I'm changing the oil to pennzoil synchromesh ... if I ever get it back together.

 

[RABID_MP5]

I wondered if it's already apparent that it will need the new tranny seals for the halfshafts? I know the LSD write-up says they definitely go when you pull things (and maybe during re-insert). I need to pull mine and will take notes on your experience.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

I wondered if it's already apparent that it will need the new tranny seals for the halfshafts? I know the LSD write-up says they definitely go when you pull things (and maybe during re-insert). I need to pull mine and will take notes on your experience.

Yup, I bought them weeks ago. I have no idea how I'm going to manage getting the transaxle back in without damaging the passenger-side one.

 

[RABID_MP5]

yeah as I visualized the write-up I could see that it's nice to not have to pull that shaft out of its knuckle, but makes for some sticky issues, especially if you're working alone. When I do it I may bite the bullet and just pull both shafts all the way off.

Now, have you already manhandled/jacked it down to the ground? They said 90 pounds which is a handful if alone.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

When I do it I may bite the bullet and just pull both shafts all the way off.

That would be the best way to do it. I'm thinking of pulling the passenger-side shaft to simplify installation.

 

[shane02pro5]

I put the cap and seal on the passenger side shaft and once the tranny is in position but still with a gap to the motor I seat the seal with a hammer and a wood block to not damage it.

 

[CheeseHelmet]

I put the cap and seal on the passenger side shaft and once the tranny is in position but still with a gap to the motor I seat the seal with a hammer and a wood block to not damage it.

Hah! That's not a bad idea, thanks

 

[RABID_MP5]

+1 yeah that rocks. But how tight is it getting behind the inboard CV joint to hammer it in?

 

[CheeseHelmet]

+1 yeah that rocks. But how tight is it getting behind the inboard CV joint to hammer it in?

It's not that bad, there's a good amount of clearance all around the joint-shaft. I'll let you know how I end up getting it back in (it'll be a few more days )