ok, trying to remove the front axle shafts to replace the completely nuked u-joints on them.. (i go down the road with hubs engaged and it gets violent)


im down to the spindle and have removed the 5 nuts.. i assume its just rusted itself together with the knuckle.. but how hard can I beat on this thing is what I want to know, because it looks to be in great shape. Never had to take a spindle off before.. I tried to chisel and hammer around the outside where it connects.. nothing, wasted an hour trying that.. going to try a sledge and a wood block tommorow, just want to make sure im not going to damage it like that.

I hear the other method involves a slide hammer and a special adapter for the threads but with the way this thing is stuck I dont even see that being helpful....

 

I think I would try penetrating oil on the parting surfaces first. Apply it tonight, tomorrow morning and tomorrow night. In the meantime you may want to head to the hardware store and get yourself a small MAPP gas torch. It has a little more energy per volume that regular old propane.

Get the spindle flange good and hot, then try your wood and hammer approach. One side then the other, Then the top... you get the idea. You don't have to try and kill it, just keep hitting it firmly. It may take a while to get it started but you should eventually be able to get something between the surfaces to work it that way too. I agree about the slide hammer, but you could try it too. Autozone will "rent" that type of tool at no cost. You just have to buy it first, then return it undamaged.

Persevere. They will come off eventually.

 

There is a tool you can buy that threads onto the spindle and into your slide hammer. I picked one up at Napa, it works slick as heck...I think I paid around $25 for it. A block of hardwood and a BFH will get the job done also... just takes longer.

 

I just wrap the spindle in a towel and give it a smack with big hammer. A couple of times on each side usually does it. I greased them with a real thin coat of marine grease when I put them back on and they came off much easier the next time.

 

After thinking about this for a while, I remembered STEVE was right, I had to use a torch the first time I took them off. I was lucky enough to have a friend with Oxygen and Acetylene torch.

 

yeah I wish I had an acetylene torch, ive tried the mapp torch.. didnt think about renting the slide hammer & attachment, didnt know anybody rented that

seems like there isnt anything I can work on that doesnt come down to the BFH in the end

does it get stuck to the studs? or just mainly rusted together with the knuckle?
if the studs are holding it perhaps if I run out of ideas I can just beat the studs out and buy new ones

when this thunderstorm goes away ill give the BFH a try and let you know how it works out

 

It gets stuck to the knuckle.

 

Another thing you might want to try is a gear puller. Thread the two nuts on half way up th spindle. Set the center of the puller on the axleshaft end and grab behind the two nuts. You may get some tension on it and then give it a few hits with a hammer. You just need to break it free. Once that's done it should come right off. I use anti-seize between the spindle and knuckle before reinstalling.

 

I have tried a 3 jaw puller, it didn't work well at all. I suppose you could put one on there and crank it down tight and smack it with a big hammer it might pop free, they can be a real b#$%h. If you try this be careful not to damage the threads.

 

I never actually tried it. It was just something I came up with if it didn't come off hitting with a rubber mallet.

 

thanks for the tips guys.. finally got them both off with many beatings with the BFH and the chisel around the outside of the flange.. i dont think i damaged anything.. but after a beating like that, was probably worth 20,000 miles to the steering and ball joints.. im getting into a "well since im here, i might as well..." situation now

 

While you have those spindles off, make sure to check the needle bearings inside the spindle.