Can't remove a stubborn axle.

[Guest Rob J]

I completely disassembled the rear end of the 65 Riv I'm restoring, and easily removed the axle shafts with a slide hammer. No problem. I also have a complete posi rear end that I have been trying to disassemble that had been sitting outside for a number of years when I got it. I got one axle shaft out, but the other is being a major SOB. I've been banging and banging on it for days, and the freaking last axle won't come out. The only part I care to salvage in the Posi carrier, so I was thinking of just cutting through the housing and shaft to remove the last axle, so I can then remove the carrier. It seems as if the axle bearing is totally seized to the housing.

Anybody have any other tips for me. Again, I don't care about the housing, or axle shafts, I only need to keep the carrier intact. Thanks.

[JZRIV]

Rob,

Yea those things can't be really tight. Use a oxy/acetylene torch to heat the full circumference of the axle right behind the brake back plate. You may see kind of a belled out area which is where the bearing seats so concentrate heat right there. Very important to get it as hot as possible.

If the axle isn't fastened to the car its a bit tough because its best to have a solid base to pull against. If the slide hammer still doesn't work after heating, I use a decent sized steel tow chain with 3/8" thick links. I slip a link over one of the wheel studs and snug up the lug nut. Then standing maybe 4-5 feet away put some slack in the chain and give it a quick hard yank so the inertia from the chain provides a sharp pull on the axle. I've pulled axles using this method from rusty junkers that have been sitting for 30 years and its never failed me......although a couple have been challenging. If the chain isn't heavy enough you won't get enough force. A lot of heat is your best friend.

Edited March 28, 2012 by JZRIV (see edit history)