This may be a stupid question and a no brainer but i replaced both the halfshafts (got them used and rebuilt for $40 for both) and got everything torqued down, went to put the snap ring back on and noticed it wasn't going to fit. When examining the halfshaft I noticed the deflector on the outer cv shaft was bent in areas. I was able to rebend most of it with pliers but had to use a c-clamp to get the snap ring back on. Was able to turn the halfshaft by hand still, was wondering if this may cause an issue later on and if i should just take everything back off and replace the deflector now?

 

Does it rub at all on the back of the knuckle? What was keeping the CV from seating all the way and not allowing the C-clip to engage?

When I put mine back in last weekend, I loaded a bunch of grease into the bushings in the knuckle. I could not get one of the C-clips to engage. The problem was the grease, it was loading up on the seal and had nowhere to go. I worked it a bit and was able to get the shaft to move in until the C-clip engages.

Mike

 

yes there are two spots that is rubbing on the deflector, and the c-clip would not go back in until I used the c-clamp.