Bajamansam

problem fixed, pulled axle and reinstalled, Btw ball joints can be some tough MFs

2003, auto

I believe I have accidentally pulled the passenger side axle out of the transmission. I was doing a ball joint replacement, and jacked the brake rotor up to try to align the control arm with the steering knuckle. I believe the axle slipped out when I went to turn the wheel in an attempt to align the two parts. Any rate the first clue is that I can not get the steering knuckle within a inch of the LCA, and the plane of the rotor does not jibe with the driver side wheel direction. Questions: can the axle be pushed back in with out removing first? I think this car had the drive pin at the axle to trans connection. Could the pin shear? How much space should there be between the axle hub and the transmission when properly installed?

Cagranitz: what you said

That's a good view of what your shooting at, but the access plug I found and used is located under the aluminum air intake neck. You can see it after taking the air filter box off the car. The hole opening is covered by a hard rubber plug. When the plug is removed, you can see hole in the plate. Turn the crank bolt while looking in the hole and you will see an opening in the plate that you can slip the scew driver in to bind the rotation, and holding the crank so you can either remove or install the crank bolt. I finished the job today, and I swear the car runs smoother now. I guess the old belt was stretching (is this possible?) or could it just be my superior mechanic skills?

I found it on a YouTube video. Ain't the internet great!

Car: 2003 Baja 2.5 liter auto tranny Job: Timing belt replacement Question: Where exactly is the fly wheel access hole? I want to use the "jam the flywheel method" to get the crank pulley off. I have read in other threads that there is an access hole below the breather box, but I cant find it on this car. I removed the breather box and can see the area where the engine and tranny join very well, but don't see or recognize the access point Please help! Thanks Brothers

Are there any step by step write ups of how to do this job on the site. The engine is the 2.5l found in the 2003 Baja. Thanks Sam

Hey Guys, i Topped of the tranny fluid, and problem solved. I will be having it changed before long, and will keep a closer eye on it. Thanks much for your advice Sam

I think changing it at this point is the right path to take, but I do wonder where the missing fluid went. It does not seem to leak.

Hey guys, I just checked it hot, following the correct procedure, and have discovered that the fluid is indeed LOW, not high. When I checked it this morning cold, I did not have it running, and it had set overnight. I checked it a couple off times and feel pretty good that it is low. From the bottm of the dipstick to the full position should require what amount of fluid? Anyone know? Thanks for all your help. Sam

Thanks fair tax and other responders. I found the elusive tranny dipskick, it was directly under soe hoses, and with the yellow pull ring soiled, so it was difficult to see. I checked the fluid cold on a nearly level driveway, less than 1% slope, sloping from the front to the rear, and observed that the dipstick show that there is to much fluid in the box. It was reading between the h/l indicator for the hot read. I will check it again hot when I get back home. Could an overfill situation cause this over time. Fairtax, to answer your question. I am coming up on 90K mi so I have been completing the major service items, fluid change is due. Sam

Fairtax yes, and it seems more present on making a right turn. Under normal driving you don't notice any lags on acceleration.

Somewhat, but the biggest difference is taht it is not a start up problem, but happens when the car is hot. And I Still can't find the tranny dipstick!

Hi Guys, I am new to the board. My car is an 03 baja, auto, normal aspiration, 89000 miles My questions involves trans or front differential. It has developed a lag of engagement when accelerating the engine, usually when accerating into a turn, from a stop ( turning right from a stop sign). It does not do it every time, and is most noticeable if I have to take off quickly. I checked the front diff oil (tough if your hand is bigger than a three year olds) It was ok. Help me with the location of the transmission gauge/filler tube. According the the hand book, it should be adjacent to the right side of the air filter box , but I see no yellow hande, and don't if see a tube if the cap is missing. Am I blind or is the book wrong? Go easy on me, I have not had the car long and I am just getting to know it Thanks Sam