so I just replaced front drivers side axle and drove it about 50 miles and it locked up on me...I think its in the diff that locked up.

symptoms include FDside wheel locked up when driving forward, but not when driving in reverse.

When i replaced the shaft could the gears have misaligned and caused the diff to fail?(from turning the wheels to remove and replace bolts)
And what do I need to do to repair the problem? I can do all the mechanical work, I just need to know what causes this problem!

Thanks

 

The problem is the right front axle fell out of the outer joint, or the joint failed because you bought a crappy axle. The diff won't lock up on you like that, its impossible.

 

Well it was a $125 axle a little more than normal...of course price doesnt always mean quality.

It makes since that the joint may have failed but I dont think the shaft came out of the outer hub(its bolted in tightly). You said the right front axle (from front of car point of view) or (drivers point of view)?

If the axle failed would the car still be able to reverse just fine??? Why doesnt the joint fail backwords? Also whats the likelyhood the shop gave me the incorrect side (say passenger side)(If they are engineered differently).

Thanks again. I will return the axle regardless!!!

 

the part about which axle is retarded Never mind

 

WOW!!! So im a IDIOT!!!
Took off the wheel and noticed the caliper and rotor moving sort-of freely...the bottom caliper bolt was missing. Im such a retard...I must have forgotten to tighten completely or something. What happened was the caliper would swing up and catch the rim of the wheel and completely stop it in its place. But rolling backwards was not a problem. Makes since now!
Once again retarded I know!!!
Shouldnt have even told you, but maybe it will make you laugh.
My Rims have a good KNICK on the inside now. CRAP!

 

Anyone have an extra caliper mounting bolt? Well its the bolt that mounts the caliper assy. to the hub assy. Its for a 2002 a6 qua 2.7t single piston not sure about the rotor size if that matters.