GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

10 years ago I pulled my 5 spd trans and replaced it with the 6 spd on my '03 base model (~93k miles). Have had zero issues until recently (188k miles). 2 weeks ago, I blew my driver side cv axle. I had my mechanic replace it and while up on the hoist, had him replace the passenger side as well. This past weekend, while backing up with the steering wheel turned hard to the right, I blew my passenger side cv axle (assuming). Researching replacement cv axles, I see there are different length assy's for the 5 spd and 6 spd. Since I've had zero issues for 10 years, doesn't seem like the axle length difference is an issue? Wondering if I have a faulty cv axle assy on the passenger side or bad install (is this possible)? Anyone have any information they'd like to share on this topic?

Thanks in advance - Mike

The shaft length is a marginal difference. I believe less than 1/2". Either one should suffice.

Where did you get the replacement axle from? It's possible that it was a defunct axle and/or the mechanic messed it up installing it.

Yeah the passenger side is more complicated and involved to replace. Several of us here have posted the difficulties in replacing the pass side, so maybe your mechanic had some difficulties and something didn't go back together properly? Let us know what you find

tpollauf wrote: ↑Mon May 18, 2020 10:06 am Yeah the passenger side is more complicated and involved to replace. Several of us here have posted the difficulties in replacing the pass side, so maybe your mechanic had some difficulties and something didn't go back together properly? Let us know what you find

Interesting. I personally did the tranny swap 10 years ago but don't seem to recall having an issue with the passenger side CV axle? I ran it for 10 years without issue. In an attempt to be proactive, I had my mechanic replace the passenger side while he was replacing the broken driver side due to the high mileage. So much for following the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"....

I'll let y'all know what we find out.

mntn-biker wrote: ↑Mon May 18, 2020 12:40 pm

tpollauf wrote: ↑Mon May 18, 2020 10:06 am Yeah the passenger side is more complicated and involved to replace. Several of us here have posted the difficulties in replacing the pass side, so maybe your mechanic had some difficulties and something didn't go back together properly? Let us know what you find

Interesting. I personally did the tranny swap 10 years ago but don't seem to recall having an issue with the passenger side CV axle? I ran it for 10 years without issue. In an attempt to be proactive, I had my mechanic replace the passenger side while he was replacing the broken driver side due to the high mileage. So much for following the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"....

I'll let y'all know what we find out.

The 6 speed axle uses a carrier bearing, whereas the 5 speed does not. If he maybe used a 6 speed axle but didn't bolt the carrier bearing in, I can see that being an issue. I would just ensure you reinstall a 5 speed axle and call it a day.

So the mechanic just called and said he could not get the noise to repeat. His tow truck driver told him it was making a loud noise when he was rolling it up the flatbed so I know I'm not hallucinating. He's wondering if a control arm or unibody frame part or motor mount is cracked ( or rusted thru - this is originally a Michigan car). Something flexed, the shaft slidout then magically slid back in during towing on the flatbed? Any thoughts???

The replacement passenger side axle blew apart at the joint. He put the original back in it for testing purposes. It was fine when I had it replaced (being proactive since it had 188k on it). The mechanic wants to rule out if it was a bad part by driving the original one around for a couple of weeks. He's also ruling out that nothing is broke (frame, motor mount, etc.) that would cause the new CV axle to blow up. Personally, I feel it was a bad part. Next update with a new passenger side CV axle...

Hi Mntn-biker,
I hope your issue is solved w the cv axle. Btw, when you swapped 5 into 6 spd, what else needed to change beside the tranny it self? Will 5spd clutch work on 6 spd? I really appreciate your help. My c59 tranny went kaput on me.
Thanks again a bunch from Nashville.

Trix04 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 12, 2025 2:32 pm Hi Mntn-biker,
I hope your issue is solved w the cv axle. Btw, when you swapped 5 into 6 spd, what else needed to change beside the tranny it self? Will 5spd clutch work on 6 spd? I really appreciate your help. My c59 tranny went kaput on me.
Thanks again a bunch from Nashville.

Yes. The same clutch would work but I would advise getting a new 1 since you'll have it all torn apart anyway. I went with a Stage1 clutch kit (don't recall the brand offhand) over the OEM when I did my swap figuring it might last longer and hoping I'll never have to pull it apart again. I replaced my front struts also since it was apart. Replace at least the rear trans mount also while you have it apart. That one is a (removed) to replace when the tranny is in the car. Just had that experience a couple months ago and it is no fun. The front 1 isn't so bad. The side ones I still need to do but nothing compares to replacing the rear 1.

Thanks for responding mntn-biker. I appreciate it.
What about the axles, since they re diff length ?
Thanks again from nashvegas.

Trix04 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 24, 2025 9:13 am Thanks for responding mntn-biker. I appreciate it.
What about the axles, since they re diff length ?
Thanks again from nashvegas.

I did not change them out. Had no issues for 8 years then 1 day my driver side broke and I had it replaced. Coincidence? IDK. I do drive it spirited so I guess it's holding up?

How many miles since first swapped until needs a new axle? What about the shifter? Still using the original 5spd?
Thanks again sir