I am replacing my whole axles or CV halfshafts whatever they are called. I got out both of them, and the drivers side popped back in without a problem. However, the passenger side one will not go in all the way. It seems to be hitting something solid. I have jiggled it, hit it with a mallet, and used my raw human force, but no go. It goes in barely far enough where the splines touch to turn the differential, but then it doesn't go any farther at all. The clip that goes around the end of the axle isn't even sticking out hardly at all. I don't understand why it won't go in. any suggestions. Any help is REALLY REALLY appreciated

Thoughts:

. Use care when prying out the assembly and pull it straight to avoid damaging the differential oil seal. Take a small flashlight and ensure the seal is not damaged and causing problems.

. Adjust the length of the right driveshaft to 501-506 mm. You may want to verify those figures. The ends of the boot seat in the groove of the driveshaft and joint.

. Install a new set ring onto the driveshaft or intermediate shaft groove. Always use a new set ring whenever the driveshaft is being installed. Carefully, examine the set ring groove and set ring.

. Insert the inboard end of the driveshaft into the differential, until the set ring locks in the groove. It's important to make sure the inboard joint bottoms into the differential, and that the set ring locks into the groove of the side gear.

You might want to read Sections ZZ, AAA, BBB, CCC, and DDD below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-46563.html

OK wow... I checked all the stuff you told me, and it all checked out good. I still couldn't get it in so I decided to use the good old hammer, making sure not to miss and damage the threads on the end of the axle. Apparently that's what it needed, after about 10 beatings it had gone in most of the way and I got it the rest of the way till it clicked. Thanks for the rest of the info on reassembling everything! I'm amazed I got it together finally. It runs great now. Thanks again!

Did you coat the splines with lubricant?

Experienced Honda mechanics can remove, repack, and reinstall four CV joints in less than one hour--for which they'll charge $350 for labor and parts.