Rear Axle Nut Removal
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 580
From: Langley BC
I agree that you will likely need to use heat, it probably goes without saying but if you have to heat the nuts to remove them don't forget to buy some replacement axel nuts. No point risking the nuts failing in the future to save a couple bucks.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 276
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
If the nut and tread look rusted then you may need heat, just be careful of overheating the bearing hub seal.
I purchased new nut retainer and cotter pins they were quite cheap,
Don't forget to torque each one to 165lb standard but now 180lb is recommended .
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,564
Likes: 1,676
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 608
From: Minneapolis Mn
If you pull the center cap on the wheel, you should be able to get to the spindle nut while the car is on the ground. Another option is make something like a bar that bolts onto the lug nuts and presses against the ground if you try it with wheels off. If you do it with the wheel off, be sure to set the e-brake first or you could put additional stress on the j-joints etc breaking it loose IMO.
HF has a longer breaker bar (which I have) plus you can add a cheater bar to yours if it would help.
Obviously you had to remove the cotter key first to get to the nut.
HF has a longer breaker bar (which I have) plus you can add a cheater bar to yours if it would help.
Obviously you had to remove the cotter key first to get to the nut.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
If the car is still drive-able drive to a heavy truck shop. A 3/4 impact makes quick work of "nut bustin". The floor jack handle as a lever has been used here also for "nut bustin".
Last edited by WVZR-1; Apr 21, 2017 at 06:28 AM.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,723
Likes: 11
From: Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
Thanks for the replies everyone. I tried a breaker bar with a 5ft cheater pipe, but it didn't budge. I tried heating it with a torch as well. I soaked it last night with WD40 so hopefully it frees it up today when I try again.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 120
From: AZ
I recall that a mix of acetone and trans fluid is a great penetrant, but still have plenty of old 3in1.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 16
From: Milwaukee WI
I just did the rear wheel bearings on Monday. A Harbor Freight special 1/2" impact and a 2 gallon air compressor with 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI flow just barely worked.
Last edited by slhawkins; Apr 21, 2017 at 12:10 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Use KROIL, better than WD-40 or PB Blaster.
I used a pneumatic impact wrench to get mine off.
How does one use a crow bar on a socket???
I used a pneumatic impact wrench to get mine off.
How does one use a crow bar on a socket???
Last edited by rocco16; Apr 21, 2017 at 08:10 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,723
Likes: 11
From: Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada
Well I managed to get it off. Wasn't easy or pretty but it worked. I used an extension with a breaker bar and a 5ft piece of pipe and I had someone attach a pipe wrench to the extension and add a 4ft pipe to the pipe wrench. I pulled while they pushed. Managed to crack it loose. I'm glad it's off.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
Well I managed to get it off. Wasn't easy or pretty but it worked. I used an extension with a breaker bar and a 5ft piece of pipe and I had someone attach a pipe wrench to the extension and add a 4ft pipe to the pipe wrench. I pulled while they pushed. Managed to crack it loose. I'm glad it's off.
no. I was sure to close the garage so the neighbours didn't see either.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 120
From: AZ
I have no idea, as I used it to keep the wheel assy from rotating when pulling on the breaker bar; well, almost kept from rotating. It was so much easier, and in retrospect, the easier way, to just lower the car onto the rear tires, in gear with the brake set; then just get the nut loosened.