theebiigdee

Hello, I have a 2007 HHR LT 2.4L, auto trans, about 111k miles.
I replaced the half shafts a short time ago, and since then, there seems to be play in the driver's side transmission output. With the driver's side front jacked up, I can turn the wheel enough to create around 3" of travel at the tire tread. Working from the wheel back, the half shaft appears to be solid all the way back to the transmission - the play seems to be inside the transmission.
Did I do something wrong when installing the half shaft, or do I have bigger issue?
I am also certain that it needs a new seal there, but would that cause so much play?
You can imagine the effects of 3" of wheel play when braking or accelerating.
I've been searching here, and learned a lot, but nothing specific to what I'm experiencing.
Thanks!

donbrew

Welcome!

Is it possible the axle is shorter than the original?
Is it possible the axle did not click when is was installed?

That's about all I can think of.

theebiigdee

Thanks donbrew, I will double check the axle, but I don't remember the shaft being loose as in sliding in and out. Shaft too short, maybe... What worries me is that the play is rotational - If the shaft slides into the transmission and the splines mesh, there should be no rotational play there, correct?

I also keep seeing info about a "stub shaft" on one side due to the transmission not being centered between the wheels... I compared the new and old parts when doing my half shafts, and I don't remember any differences... I also didn't see this "stub shaft"... did I miss that somewhere in the process, leading to this problem? Thanks!

donbrew

The stub is passenger side and about 4 inches long. It usually stay connected to the axle, but YMMV.

Oldblue

My front axles both rotate almost 2 to 3 inches , I don't believe it's the axle stub into the splines , I believe it to be the combination of that and ring and pinion gear lash.

Welcome to the site!

theebiigdee

Thanks donbrew and Oldblue.
Oldblue, can you feel that play when you're driving? I can - when I accelerate or brake, I can feel it take a split second to "catch", and it catches hard, sometimes with a clanking noise.
Anyone have thoughts about the shaft seal, and the effects of it going south?
I'm no pro, but pretty handy - I usually do repairs myself. But I'm about ready to drop $$ at a transmission shop...

Oldblue

No I don't feel it , but when I park on a slope the car moves about 3 inches after I put it in park and release the foot brake. I make sure to set the parking brake to avoid that problem.
As for the seal they're not to hard to replace.

theebiigdee

Thanks everyone, I'm heading out to tear into it.

Oldblue

Photos, we want photos!