Need some help with axle removal.

[Rusty67]

Ok, I was at the junkyard today and I got there late.... and forgot some tools. So here is the deal. I was trying to remove the axles off of a 98 Crown Vic with an 8.8 rear end because I want the rear brakes off of it and I need the backing plates. In order to get those you gota pull the axles. I know there are those little C clips at the end of the axles, but how do I get them off so I can pull the axles out of the housing ?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Push in on the axle and then use a magnet to draw the c clip out.

 

[Rusty67]

How strong a magnet do I need ? Can I just use one that I would use to pick up bolts that were droped ? Does the axle need to be in any specific possition ?

Thanx for the help =-)

 

[Kilgore Trout]

According to the Haynes manual instructions for the Mustang, when you push in on the axle it allows you to remove the c-clip by drawing it our with a magnet. There is a picture and it does just look like a parts "picker upper" magnet.

 

[Justin03GT]

a flat head screwdriver works just as well...just have to gently push it from the back and it will come out...but first you need to take the large locking pin out..it prevents the axles from moving inward...have to have an 8mm 12point socket for that and really small 1/4" drive for it cause it likes to strip easily...

 

[Rusty67]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'm gonna hit the junkyard and attempt to claim my prizes :o)

 

[stangr66]

Don't forget you gotta remove the pinion shaft retaining bolt and the pinion shaft first.

 

[COramprat]

...and if it has antilock brakes...the antilock brake sensor so the axle will slide far enough in to allow the c-clip to drop.

 

[Rusty67]

Thanks for the help guys, I got the stuff I wanted.

FYI, I did not need to remove the ABS sensor, the axle had enough space to move inward to remove the retainer clip. Maybe the axles on Mustangs are shorter then on a Crown Vic ?