C Clip Trouble on Driverside CV Axle

I was replacing my CV axle due to a torn boot and had little problem getting the axle assembly out of the transfer case. The dilemma was stabbing the replacement axle back in. The C Clip was not budging to get it to seat in the splines. So, I took it off..... temporarily unless I hear different. How important is it? The axle doesn't seem to have any reason to move with the axle nut cinched down on the outer stub. What are your thoughts? Lastly, I have a slight gear oil leak at the transfer case. I am not sure I put the seal back on correctly, any pics of it anybody might have? Thanks.

 

do not run it without that C clip... thats what holds the cup into the front diff. Make sure the opening of the C clip is faced down and it should be able to be pushed in by hand with ease.

 

What he said ^^^^^^

With the clip open faced down you might need to bump it a couple times but it will go in fairly easy.

 

Ok, thanks. That is a big help. I'll get it back in correctly.

 

Yea it’s amazing how none of the DIYs say this. The first time I did it I was so pissed and irritated. They are say “oh it just goes right in”. But if you don’t have the clip right it will not go in no matter how hard you try. Same thing coming out.

 

Ok, so I had time today to tear apart the temp fix from Friday. I ended up replacing the inner CV axle seal as it was torn somehow. I used the C Clip from the axle I removed as it seemed more round than the one on the replacement axle. I was able to "stab" it in on the second try with the C Clip opening at the bottom as suggested. I "buttoned" everything back up and even drained and replaced the Transfer Case gear oil while I was at it. I drove it about 5 miles without any problems. But, after I parked for about an hour and went to drive it again, I heard a chirping sound coming from the side I worked on. Any idea what would cause it to do that? Again, it did not do that initially after driving it about 5 miles. Thanks.

 

Make sure you didn't bend the ''backing'' plate/dust shield and it is now lightly hitting the disc while driving.