Driver's side axle popped out
 

My friend has a 98 Max. It's an auto, one day he was driving and he just stopped in mid traffic. After looking under the car we seen Trans fluid, we thought it was the transmission but after a good inspection we seen the axle out of the tranny on the drivers side. Is it only the axle or transmission also? Does he need a new axle or just put the old one back in?

Assuming you didn't lose too much fluid and run the tranny dry, I don't see why you shouldn't at least attempt to put a new axle back in. I've always wondered about this too, anyone know how this could even happen if the axle nut is tight? and would a new axle be necessary?

I was replacing the struts and this just happened to me. Turns out the driver side has a C-clip, on the end of the axle to keep it in the trans. Mine was worn down from so many miles that it was worn to the same size as the axle, so it kept popping in and out. you could try finding a C-clip and replacing it if the axle is in good shape but since you are already pulling it, i would suggest replacing it with a new one.

PS. you might wanna run a magnet in the pan around the axle insert to see if it filed any metal off before inserting a new one.

are you asking why he didn't replace the axle in mid traffic? becuase if so, it's in mid traffic...not safe. Also his likely fell out due to old age. And a new axle might not be neccessary, but if you're doing the job, wouldn't you rather have a refurbished/new axle instead?

Hope no damage to the transmission. Like the above posts say, the C clip needs to be replaced. You can get one from any parts store. You can purchase the inner CV boot kit and it should have the C clip in there.

Thanks for the advice, tomorrow we will try to replace the axle with a dualistic gold one, is this brand good? I wanted to get raxles but couldn't find anything. I hope no transmission damage occurred