Can't get axle out of bearing hub -tried EVERYTHING!

[ThatBitch_MacGuyver]

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... &mode=view

Note: the image in the lower left corner.... I am at this point with the control arms dropped. But I still can't get the axle out of the bearing HUB - I've turned the wheel lock-to-lock to no avail. It's not even loose. At this point I am not even sure now if the bearing is bad because the dust shield was rubbing on the wheel when I turned it seemed, but that might be a fallacy.

[rmmagow]

PB Blaster is great but try this, a 50-50 mix of ATF and Acetone. Soak it well for at least two days. I've had this mixture free up a very similar situation in an old Subaru front hub. Soak, tap a bit, soak some more. Hope this helps.

[xHeart]

Note: the image in the lower left corner.... I am at this point with the control arms dropped. But I still can't get the axle out of the bearing HUB - I've turned the wheel lock-to-lock to no avail. It's not even loose. At this point I am not even sure now if the bearing is bad because the dust shield was rubbing on the wheel when I turned it seemed, but that might be a fallacy.

Guys, shouldn't the steering wheel be locked, facing forward and straight - NOT turned lock-to-lock during this removal?

I had removed the bolts holding outer tie-rod at the knuckle. Then only the knuckle would swivel, making the space for axle to slide out from the bearing hub as the photo shows.

[03XC70white]

This worked for me:

Used a two armed puller, put tension on it then hit it with a hammer, re-thightened, hit with hammer, etc.
Worked like a dream.

I used a 'dead blow hammer', it has plastic surface so no damage to the puller and little recoil.

Good luck.

Sorry that I can't find the pictures I took but you get the picture I hope!

[rspi]

I need to pull 2 of these very soon. I hope I don't have these issues.

[ThatBitch_MacGuyver]

So here's the end of the story. I opened took off the wheel, took the disc off and then used the 3 prong gear puller AGAIN, tap tap tapped around the hub, used plenty of PB BLASTER ( I should buy stock in the company ) tap tap tapped some more around the hub assembly, used more PB blaster , cranked on the 3 prong gear puller, tapped on it, tapped more around the hub and on the axle, cranked down some more on the axle stub with the 3 prong gear puller....by this time the gear puller point was beginning to dig in to the splinded axle assembly and create a huge dimple in the axle. I cranked the gear puller some more and FINALLY, the axle popped out of the bearing hub! Long story, yes I know but you have to have patience, PB blaster, a gear puller, and time. Time is what I didn't have. (Have a 13 month old so it's work around his nap time or weekends).
So moral of story is this: if you have the time, try it yourself. If it doesn't look likely you will get the job done, take it to someone and have them do it, or you will pay the price with an angry ( you fill in the blank ________( wife, girlfriend, family, child with a dirty diaper that needed changing an hour ago). )

It wasn't fun. But I know what needs to be done for the next one when it begins to go.

-Woody

[erikv11]

In all likelihood, the next one won't stick like that. I've pulled at least six now, never had one stick.

[ThatBitch_MacGuyver]

I guess it may also depend on where you live.....I'm in New England USA where road salt and grit cling to undercarriage parts like glue. Things tend to stay where they are if you know what I mean.

[erikv11]

I hear ya. The roads are salted heavily here in the midwest, but we don't get it as badly as you do.

There is some chance there was an extra heavy dose of the metal adhesive they applied at the factory.