removing rusted on spindle
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 171
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From: Utah
removing rusted on spindle
Haven't posted on this site for . . . . years. In the past I've had great luck getting help, here, with issues like the following.
I'm working on a friend's 1992 F-150 4X4. The ball joints are getting worn, and so I tried to get to them. I got the hubs removed, and the six nuts holding the spindles to the steering knuckles and found the spindles are rusted solid to the knuckles. I pounded, I use my air hammer with a chisel, I tried heating it with a torch, and I even put the hub back on, bolted the tire on, and kicked it a bunch of times. I finally put it back together and gave it back to the family so they could use the truck. Both sides are rusted like this.
I'm even thinking of maybe cutting out the ball joints with my plasma cutter, or cutting the knuckle in half. I'd rather not get that drastic if I can avoid it.
Any good ideas for how to get these off?
John.
I'm working on a friend's 1992 F-150 4X4. The ball joints are getting worn, and so I tried to get to them. I got the hubs removed, and the six nuts holding the spindles to the steering knuckles and found the spindles are rusted solid to the knuckles. I pounded, I use my air hammer with a chisel, I tried heating it with a torch, and I even put the hub back on, bolted the tire on, and kicked it a bunch of times. I finally put it back together and gave it back to the family so they could use the truck. Both sides are rusted like this.
I'm even thinking of maybe cutting out the ball joints with my plasma cutter, or cutting the knuckle in half. I'd rather not get that drastic if I can avoid it.
Any good ideas for how to get these off?
John.
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Okanagan
You'll have to find a spindle puller adapter that fits onto a slide hammer.
Here's a link to what you need... OTC 7502 4 WD Front Spindle Puller | SJDiscounttools.com
Try to rent/borrow one, and make sure you soak it with some pb blaster well beforehand.
Good luck
Here's a link to what you need... OTC 7502 4 WD Front Spindle Puller | SJDiscounttools.com
Try to rent/borrow one, and make sure you soak it with some pb blaster well beforehand.
Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 2
From: CASA GRANDE AZ
put the tire and hub back on and leave the spindle bolts out then drive back and forth with the truck slamming on the brakes , if that dont work get a 20# sledge hammer and beat it to death it will come off ! then replace with new one with lots of antiseize !
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
I feel your pain....I had the same problem. I bought a spindle puller for $30 bucks from "4X4 Off-Road" Let me tell ya!!! Hoo-RAY!! After working on 1 spindle for 10 hours, and it never let go, I got that thing on there, and in a matter of 30 mins I had it off.
I used all of the following when I tried to remove it the second time.
-Freeze Off
-Liquid Wrench
-Heat gun (Yellow Can not Blue Can)
-Pb Blaster
-Several 2X4's and 2 lb Sledge hammer
After starting the spindle puller adapter, I would heat the flanged end up, then try to advance the puller. If it wasn't budging, I would stop then apply Freeze-Off, then soak with both Liquid Wrench and Pb Blaster. I would then try it again. If it didn't I would remove the adpater, then lay the 2X4 on one side and smack it several times with the sledge hammer. I did this several times to both side's of the spindle. Using the method I described, I had one side off in 30 mins and the other side actually came off easier than the 1st.
I hope this helps!
I used all of the following when I tried to remove it the second time.
-Freeze Off
-Liquid Wrench
-Heat gun (Yellow Can not Blue Can)
-Pb Blaster
-Several 2X4's and 2 lb Sledge hammer
After starting the spindle puller adapter, I would heat the flanged end up, then try to advance the puller. If it wasn't budging, I would stop then apply Freeze-Off, then soak with both Liquid Wrench and Pb Blaster. I would then try it again. If it didn't I would remove the adpater, then lay the 2X4 on one side and smack it several times with the sledge hammer. I did this several times to both side's of the spindle. Using the method I described, I had one side off in 30 mins and the other side actually came off easier than the 1st.
I hope this helps!
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Timbersteel,
Is the tool you mention one that threads over the spindle and has a bolt that pushes against the axle shaft? Is there any danger of damaging something inside the differential, or a seal somewhere, or anything? That certainly looks like the easiest way to get it off.
Is the tool you mention one that threads over the spindle and has a bolt that pushes against the axle shaft? Is there any danger of damaging something inside the differential, or a seal somewhere, or anything? That certainly looks like the easiest way to get it off.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
Yes, that is the adapter and there is also a 5lb sledge type as well. I opted for the threaded one with the bolt you thread into the center of the spindle...After I started it, I SLOWLY took my time in removing it. I had the same thoughts on the differential as you did. The only thing I hurt, was the chrome trim above the Passenger side wheel well when I was smacking the 2X4 with the rubber mallet. I was working to close to the fence, hence the rubber mallet, and I wacked the trim nearly 2 inches long. Uhh...I'm glad it was only the rubber mallet and not the 2 lb sledge hammer.
I went thru 10 hours of the same anguish with removing the spindle as you did and I nearly gave up and took it to the shop. But as stubborn as I am, I knew there had to be a "Tool" out there to aid the removal of it and someone or several members here advised me of it.
FTE!!!! ALL THE WAY!!!
I went thru 10 hours of the same anguish with removing the spindle as you did and I nearly gave up and took it to the shop. But as stubborn as I am, I knew there had to be a "Tool" out there to aid the removal of it and someone or several members here advised me of it.
FTE!!!! ALL THE WAY!!!
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
Yellow73bb, I've included a picture of the one you and I described.
Complete Off Road | Your Source for Off Road Parts - Axles - Driveline Parts and More
You can also get one off of Ebay I believe as well. I hope this helps.
Complete Off Road | Your Source for Off Road Parts - Axles - Driveline Parts and More
You can also get one off of Ebay I believe as well. I hope this helps.
Last edited by timbersteel; May 22, 2011 at 07:54 PM. Reason: Photo wasn't correct
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