Trying to pull axles

cobralee · #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2001, 09:12 PM

I'm having a problem pulling my axles from my 9" rear end. I pulledthe discs and calipers off, unbolt the brackets and used an axle puller, then a hammer, but the axles don't budge. I'm hesitant on using a torch. I'm putting in longer wheel studs.

If there's another way to get these out, I would appreciate any help.

Thanks.

Ron

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 12-19-2001, 12:17 AM

If you have a 5 lug pattern loosen the lug nuts on the wheel so they are each only holding by 3 or 4 threads. Slide the wheel towards the brake disc/drum then quickly jerk it towards you (as if taking it off) often times the shock imposed by the weight of the wheel will be enough to losen the axles. You can also try a slide hammer type axle remover from the rental yard, also a little carefully applied heat in the area of the axle bearing (carefully)
may help relieve a bearing if that is what is preventing it from coming out.

Good luck
Rick

427sharpe · #3 (**permalink**) 12-20-2001, 06:08 PM

'Pulled the brackets off?"..Do you mean the caliper brackets only, or did you remove all four bolts that retain the bearing retainer to the axle? If you have all 4 bolts out and the axle still will not budge, DO NOT use a torch! This can make the metal brittle or warp the flange seat and cause a leak! Try penetrant around the bearing mating surface to loosen up the bearing, and LIGHTLY tap on the bearing surface on the axle tube while pulling the axle (a 2nd 'helper' would be very nice!). It should require just a slight bit of pressure to pull the axle. The slip fit is important because it keeps the outer bearing race from spinning in the axle tube. When you get the axle out, reinstalll w/ a slight bit of anti-seize and you wont have this problem again.

Bill E · #4 (**permalink**) 12-25-2001, 11:07 PM

If you tried all the above the next step is get 12 feet of heavy chain wrap it around the hub and bolt it whit two grad 8 bolts, then tie a rope on to the axle and the other end to the chassis or the snout of the pumpkin. Make it short to limit the travel of the axle put on gloves get to the end of the chain and snap it like a whip. It WILL come out or pull the baring apart. You must than check that the axle is strata before reassembly. If you have to go to this extreme you may have more problems than you think bent axle housing maybe so check it over good. Bill E

justa6 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-28-2001, 07:33 AM

Just pulled the axles on my Cobra which also has a 9" Ford rear. I'd suggest NOT heating anything as you can damage your axle seals. Just buy or rent a slide hammer and have at it. They will come out. I just put a Powertrax in place of my Trac loc and the guy that set up the new 4:11 gears told me that when replacing the axles that I should use lacquer thinner to clean and prep the seals (which on mine are part of the bearing race on the Strange axles) then put Permetex #2 on the seal material. He said it keeps the seals from leaking and also will allow the axles to be pulled later as it stays tacky. No leaks so far...

The Powertrax setup seems to be really good but I haven't taken it to the track yet.

Bob
Buick V6/Johnex