pulling rear axles?

[golf4283]

Ok i just bought an 8 inch that came from a 1970 fastback. I got it home and took the drum covers off and took the bolts out and both of the axles will not ocme out at all (obviously i took out the 4 retaining nuts on each axle). What am I missing? I fear that this rear end may be useless and I was just getting excited about almost being ready to drive again. Ugh.

 

[Platonic Solid]

That's common. The easiest way is to use a slide hammer.

 

[krash kendall]

If you don't have a slide hammer, put the drum on backwards with the wheel nuts on a few threads and use the drum as a slide hammer.

 

[golf4283]

ok one of the axles came off with the backwards drum but the other one is just a PITA. Any other suggestions that I can use?

 

[MrBobMarley]

You could try beating the backwards drum with a deadblow hammer somewhat lightly. I'd use a 2x4 to buffer the drum. Just trhowing out ideas.

 

[dennis112]

ok one of the axles came off with the backwards drum but the other one is just a PITA. Any other suggestions that I can use?

The slide hammer axle puller may be needed. Do you have an Autozone or and Advanced Auto nearby? They usually have a free tool lending program.

 

[Platonic Solid]

Or go all out and spend $8 at your local rental place.

I suppose if you want to turn this into a major project, you could try heating the outside of the casting near the bearing with a propane torch.

 

[golf4283]

Or go all out and spend $8 at your local rental place.

I suppose if you want to turn this into a major project, you could try heating the outside of the casting near the bearing with a propane torch.

thats a little too much for me but thanks for the idea. Ill have to try the slide hammer. I hope it works cause that stupid thing is in there good

 

[C6AE]

I have a slide hammer, works every time.
I've taken a few axles out that definately would not have come out with a drum on backward.
Another method I have heard of, but never tried, is using a chain attached to the axle bolts. The weight of the chain is supposed to pull it out when you yank on it.
Can't help but laugh at what I just wrote though...

 

[yeloxr7]

I have a really big (3/4" shaft) slide hammer with an adapter that bolts to the axle flange and screws onto the slide hammer shaft. It has worked every time. It also has a couple of tools that can be used to pull axle seals out as well. We got it from Sears many years ago. The axle flange adapter can be used as a wheel hub remover for FWD cars as well....

 

[jes72mustang]

I went through the samr thing a couple of months ago. I was able to pull one axle out fairly easily but could not get the other to budge. I fought with it for several hours. Then I went and rented a slide hammer ($8 for the day) and had that stubborn axle out in two good pulls. took more time running to the rental place and back then it did to get the axle out. I wished I would have done that in the first place and saved half the day.

Any job can be easy with the correct tool.

 

[mfp4073]

hehe, I have used either the backward drum method or run a chain to the axle nuts and used the drums as hammers on the chain.....slide hammer prolly works better....

 

[golf4283]

slide hammer was a success!. That dang thing was stuck in there tight. Im definaately going to have to take the housing and axles in to have new bearings put on.

 

[dennis112]

slide hammer was a success!. That dang thing was stuck in there tight. Im definaately going to have to take the housing and axles in to have new bearings put on.

Thanks for the feedback, glad it worked!