jimmers

Probably a dumb question, but are both rear axle nuts left hand turn to loosen? I can't get the passenger side loose.

Tom400CFI

Yep.

Heat the nut. Heat it. Heat will work to get it off. Use heat.

DMITTZ

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.

gerardvg

Yes left turn to remove, I used a long pipe to free it.
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 .

VikingTrad3r

i used the hollow handle of my jack around my breaker bar as an extension.

ChumpVette

Give me a lever long enough...

No need for heat. Just a long bar. Make sure to lock the rotor with a screwdriver as well.

hcbph

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.

WVZR-1

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".

jimmers

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.

charliet615

Use some PB Blaster, better than WD 40............

whalepirot

This worked for me, just enough to break it free, after bending a titanium crow bar (no workie).

I recall that a mix of acetone and trans fluid is a great penetrant, but still have plenty of old 3in1.

slhawkins

^Definitely. When I drove truck over the road and wanted to do my own work, the local truck stop never had an issue loosening the lug nuts for me. Saved having to jump on a 6 foot bar for ever lug nut. If no truck stops are near by, a local shop might be willing to quickly loosen them for you.

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.

rocco16

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???

jimmers

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.

WVZR-1

This was captured in a video - right? Let's see it!

jimmers

no. I was sure to close the garage so the neighbours didn't see either.

whalepirot

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.