New CV axle won't spin 2011 taco

Hey y'all

I've got a 2011 base 4x4
Replaced passenger side CV several weeks ago, decided to do the driver side this weekend, as it had more play in it than I would like

Got the new one in (One of the Duralast Gold I believe it is, from autozone, same as the new passenger side I just put in). New axle looks to be seated in all the way, same as the other side. The axle will spin backwards with some resistance, but smoothly enough. If I try to spin it forwards, it meets resistance, like it's catching on something, and I'd have to force it to move. The outside end is not in the spindle yet, and the truck is in 2WD, the other wheel spins freely when I jacked it up, so it's not either of those 2 things.

Worried I messed up the needle bearings or something like that, only thing I can think of. Haven't taken the CV out to check yet cause I hate getting those things removed. Going to check right now though. Just curious if y'all had any other ideas of what it could be.

 

Supposedly the C clip on the diff axle stub needs to be oriented correctly on insertion for it to go in all the way smoothly, I seriously doubt you damaged the needle bearing but you probably don't have your axle stub in all the way.

Pull it out, inspect the bore align the C clip on the end and try again.

 

Could be I suppose. I put it in at roughly 12 oclock i think. Didn't think it would effect how it spins. Guess I'll find out.

 

Retired auto mechanic here. We always ensured c clip gap was positioned to 6 o’clock position. And, I do this on my ‘10 Tacoma shafts too. Works better.

 

I usually just shove mine in.
Just get the CV just started into the diff. Then give it a good shove. The momentum of the CV is usually enough to get it seated. You’ll hear it “pop” in.

As for clip position. I never worried about it to much. I put a coat of gear oil on it to help lube it. I don’t know if it actually helps, but it hasn’t hurt anything yet.

 

Ah, I was thinking it was suposed to be 12 oclock, guess I misremembered, could be part of it. Seems like it would still spin though. I put some gear oil on it before I installed it, figured it couldn't hurt as well. Anyways, didn't have any luck getting it back off before it got too hot out, so I'll try again tomorrow, check the needle bearings, and if it's good, try to reinstall with the clip facing 6

 

Something I saw once.
https://youtu.be/SrRHYzQ743Q

 

Interesing, would that zip tie trick work on the end that goes into the diff?

Anyways if anyone is interested, finally got the the new axle back out, the needle bearings are messed up, at least one is in pieces, possible several, haven't dug that deep yet. Not sure if I put it in wrong or what. The c clip has a couple scrapes on it, and it seems like the angle is slightly off comared to the old axle's clip, so it's possible the clip was out of spec, and caused issues during install, don't know. But, time for new bearings and seal

PRO TIP. The cable and swing hammer method for getting the cv axle out, is fantastic in my opinion. Theres some posts on this site that talk about it. Here's a link for a pic someone has, and a vid I watched too.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-cv-axle-removal-tips-tricks-advice.318838/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbLfjS3PL2c

My two cents on it, I tried 3/32 and 1/8 inch cable, kept breaking on me, finally used 3/16 I think it was, about an 8ft section to make sure I'd have enough for getting the loops and still have room to swing the hammer.

Anyways, thanks for the input y'all. Now, time to learn how to replace bearings, fun stuff.

 

c clip down, gently tap the axle in with a rubber mallet.

 

Since you blew your driver's side needle bearing might as well put an ECGS bushing in.