Help! Can't reinstall rear axle!

[seoulstice]

Well like the title thread says, I can't seem to reinstall my rear axle. I think I have the splines lined up correctly because it slid in.

It is now stuck with the studs from the backing plate just entering their respective holes but I can't push any farther.

 

[Drcoffee]

You are either hung up on the axle seal or the splines are not meshing. We're the splines damaged at all? Rotate the hub a little and be sure to tip the spline end up a little when it hits the gear.

 

[nevada]

if it slid that far, the splines are engaged already.
sometimes the bearing needs a little persuasion to pop it in. use the hammer..hit the center of the axle with the handle. it shouldnt take much.

 

[seoulstice]

Splines weren't damaged and I'm pretty sure it's not the seal.

Had the new bearing, retainers, and ABS ring pressed on by local stealership this morning and looking at backing plate it looks like whatever machine they used to press on the new pieces bent the studs that go into the axle housing.

Needless to say, I'm pissed. Also, the technician was a little overzealous with the cutting tool and cut into the surface that mates with the outside of the axle house[outside of the rubber o-ring]. So that

 

[audiness]

If it were me, I would just go to a junkyard and pick up a new axle and be done with it.