[fubarian]

so this is my fault and I'll save the long story, but what are your tricks for getting the half shaft (output shaft) from the hub? Mine doesn't seem to have a lot of rust in it but refuses to come out -- oh and the axle nut came off without too much effort. I have a few more days for other parts to show up, so I have time.

so far, I've tried :
PB blaster on both front and back side of the spindle, about 3 gallons of it
hit it with a hammer on the end
just tried to hit it with an air hammer on the end

So what's your tricks ?

[Brian86]

bolt-on hub-puller

Failing that, Jaw-puller.

Failing that, Hydraulic jaw-puller.

It might damage the hub.

[IllSic_Design]

This is what I had to use, and I live in California with no rust at all.

https://harborfreight.com/10-ton-3-j...ler-64982.html

They have a smaller 5-ton one but it did not budge my axle, I returned it and then got the big one.

[fubarian]

Originally Posted by Brian86

It might damage the hub.

in this case it isn't a problem - I just got the replacement spindle and such and its in perfect shape (heh, car only had 18k on it!)

Originally Posted by IllSic_Design

They have a smaller 5-ton one but it did not budge my axle, I returned it and then got the big one.

Off to harbor freight I go!

[fubarian]

Originally Posted by IllSic_Design

This is what I had to use, and I live in California with no rust at all.

https://harborfreight.com/10-ton-3-j...ler-64982.html

so how ...exactly did you get that 10 ton on there?

[Efthreeoh]

Mine all but one have easily come out with a two-sledgehammer tool (one hammer on the axles shaft, the other to hit the hammer head). One out of 6 did not come out with the sledgehammer tool, well easily. I mushroomed the head of the axle. As a result I bought a bolt on hub tool. I've yet to use it, but I'd expect it will work fine.'

And buy some Kroil; best penetrating oil on the market.

[fubarian]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Mine all but one have easily come out with a two-sledgehammer tool (one hammer on the axles shaft, the other to hit the hammer head). One out of 6 did not come out with the sledgehammer tool, well easily. I mushroomed the head of the axle. As a result I bought a bolt on hub tool. I've yet to use it, but I'd expect it will work fine.

Literally the situation I'm in. I'm 99% sure the end has expanded and I will need a replacement because it's completely toast. All the others came out with just a wack or two.

Really dumb and I really hope the answer is "nothing" -- why are their different part numbers for the manual, DCT and automatic?? (When it comes to the rear, I'm completely surprised they're not all the same part number)

[rbryantaz]

Originally Posted by fubarian

Literally the situation I'm in. I'm 99% sure the end has expanded and I will need a replacement because it's completely toast. All the others came out with just a wack or two.

Really dumb and I really hope the answer is "nothing" -- why are their different part numbers for the manual, DCT and automatic?? (When it comes to the rear, I'm completely surprised they're not all the same part number)

I just did it 2 different ways...

1) Use a bearing separator and separate the hub from the bearing while pulling the axel and replace the bearing. This worked but it required some sacrificial lug studs. They mushroomed badly under the force and I had to file the ends after doing it so that they didn't strip the hub. I ended up just changing the bearings and buying new hubs but the hubs aren't cheap on an M3 rear end that I am swapping in. It takes a lot more force to separate the bearing AND free the axle so it worked but wasn't ideal.

2) Get a mid range 3 jaw puller and tighten it down then hit the puller shaft with a 2lb hammer, tighten and repeat several times. If you get it centered well the combined force of the puller and shock of hitting it with the BFH will break the axle free then you can just use the puller after that.

I just used this one from amazon: "DURATECH 6-Inch 3-Jaw Gear Puller, Removal Tool for Gears, Pulleys, Bearings and Flywheels" It was $23.

I recommend Option #2. It just puts a small divot in the axle end where the jaw puller is centered.


-Rich

[IllSic_Design]

Originally Posted by fubarian

so how ...exactly did you get that 10 ton on there?

Sorry, was out of town since Friday. I just put the 3 legs/attachments behind/around the hub and the press piece in the center of the axle. Only way it can be done really.