Having issues reinstalling axle, any help appreciated.

[bk7794]

Hello, I’ve got a 2008 Focus with a bad front drivers side wheel bearing. I removed the knuckle and brought it to a local machine shop to have a new bearing pressed in. When I got it back it all looked great. New bearing was in and smooth as butter. Going back to install the knuckle, I am finding I cannot install the axle back into the splines of the hub. It just doesn’t go in. I get it about 1/16th of an inch inside, if that and it just won’t go any further. I’ve tried some force but really cannot get all that much force into the part.

I’ve tried putting it in backwards, just to see if the axle was the issue, but it went in very very smooth and without any hassle. So I’m seeing the entry point of the hub as the issue. I’m seeing some funkiness on the splines but really can’t recall any trauma I could’ve caused.

Anyways, does anyone have any ideas? I’d hate to waste a brand new bearing to obtain a new hub. Plus I’m thinking the cost to install would be out the window. Any help would be appreciated.

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