Removing 2 piece axle

[ColeTrickle]

I'm trying to remove the two piece axle in favor of a one piece. I've tried several different ways to remove the axle with no luck.

I've tried to use 2 different axle pullers but they were to short to mount over the threaded portion of the axle end. Also tried using a jaw puller only to have its threaded portion bury itself in the axle. Lastly, I tried turning the drum around on the axle and using it as a slide hammer and it didn't budge.

Is there something in the diff thats keeping it "locked" in place?

Thanks for any and all help!

 

[PaRenegade]

You need a beefy puller like this. A slide hammer type is useless. They are on tight. You may have to rent one at a rental place, that's what I used to have to do.

You may need to get a section of 2" pipe to fit over the handle to give you more leverage. But there is NO secret trick, it just takes a lot of force. And when it lets go don't have your leg in front of it, it pops off pretty good.

 

[CJim7]

Be sure the brake backing plate is unbolted....that's really the only thing that keeps them in.

 

[ColeTrickle]

Thanks guys, I will see what I can do.

 

[PaRenegade]

Yes and I guess I should clarify. The puller is to separate the hub from the axle shaft. Once that's off then remove the 4 bolts between the axle flange and backing plate and pull the axle shaft out. You could do that first but then you'd have to find a way to hold the axle to pull the hub. Because you need the backing plate and dust cover that's between the hub and wheel bearing.

 

[ColeTrickle]

Yes and I guess I should clarify. The puller is to separate the hub from the axle shaft. Once that's off then remove the 4 bolts between the axle flange and backing plate and pull the axle shaft out. You could do that first but then you'd have to find a way to hold the axle to pull the hub. Because you need the backing plate and dust cover that's between the hub and wheel bearing.

Thank you for the clarification PaRenegade! I should have made myself clearer and specifically stated I wanted to remove the hub first.

 

[ColeTrickle]

I have been beating on that hub for the last 10 minutes with very little movement if any.

Is there anything I can do differently? I will take a few more stabs at it but I don't understand why I'm having difficulty when everyone is telling me it should pull right out.

I have scratched the idea of buying or renting a hub puller. Either they want over $100 for one or the rental places have told me they don't have one. I'm not going to buy one for its one time use.

I have the main hub nut loose, 4 bolts off the backing plate and all brake hardware off. Should I unbolt the carrier caps too?

I was planning to pull the whole shaft out with hub in place since all will be junked in favor of one piece.
I've also thought if I could get it out enough I would slip a sawjaw in the gap to cut the shaft. But where would that get me?

Anyone?

 

[Sam5038]

I've taken out the axle with the hub still attached. I just unbolted the brake backing plate and pulled the axle, hub, brake backing plate, along with the bearing all come out in one piece. Should come out easily. Once removed. The bearing need to come off the save the backing plate. (My need someone to remove the bearing for you, or cut the race.) The nice part about doing this is you don't need a special puller.

 

[CJim7]

I've taken out the axle with the hub still attached. I just unbolted the brake backing plate and pulled the axle, hub, brake backing plate, along with the bearing all come out in one piece. Should come out easily. Once removed. The bearing need to come off the save the backing plate. (My need someone to remove the bearing for you, or cut the race.) The nice part about doing this is you don't need a special puller.

That's how I did it.....it's just a lot easier.

 

[ColeTrickle]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I'm guessing its pretty gummed up in there causing the shaft to be rather difficult in removing.

I drained the diff fluid yesterday and it was the color of chocolate milk with the consistency of mustard.

I will still go at it.

Thanks again.

 

[ColeTrickle]

Success!