removing axle from hub

Post by **j-dawg** » 06 Jan 2019, 16:25

You know how they sometimes get stuck? No, you don't. Not like this. I actually sheared splines from the hub getting the driver's side out of my 99. I'm a very lucky boy to have not sheared them off the driveshaft, given how rare OEM axles have become.

I've heard they Loctited the splines on the driver's side to resolve axle ping issues, and I believe it, since there was plenty of grease on the passenger's side splines. When I replace these, I'm banking on the XC90 axle screws being enough to resolve whatever the original issue was.

Post by **scot850** » 07 Jan 2019, 15:24

Yup, the axle glue will do that with long service and not having been removed at any point from the hub. I had to do the same as you and in another case, pulled the whole hub assembly to get it into a bench vice to heat it to get it to release.

Well do and you dodged the bullet on the bearing splines!

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Jan 2019, 18:40

My 99 pushed out with hand pressure on one side and a 16 ton press on the pass side.

J-dawg, I think that is rust, not Loctite on that shaft. Remember there is a rubber seal that was retrofit on the inboard side of the hub to stop water getting into the spline area that I bet helps stop these things from rusting.

Volvo Wheel Seal/ Dust Protector - Genuine Volvo 9492980

I think this is the 1998 1999 2000 only seal, different one for P2s

Post by **j-dawg** » 08 Jan 2019, 11:56

Very plausible that it was rust sticking the parts together. Both sets of splines were rusty, and this car has lived most of its life in the Northeast. I don't know why the driver side axle wasn't greased up, though. The grease on the passenger side was doing its job after probably 100k miles, since the clutch was last changed.

Post by **oragex** » 08 Jan 2019, 12:08

It is true that some dealers put loctite, at least on P2's (XC90 ?). Basically when it doesn't come out, the right way is getting another used hub and axle. Pulling and smacking the axle will ruin the bearing anyway, plus those Youtube videos are more than convincing not to try at home when it's really stuck.

Post by **ZionXIX** » 08 Jan 2019, 16:28

Post by **j-dawg** » 08 Jan 2019, 23:02

Yep, I heard the "clang" of metal breaking - or at least of lots of stress being released - right before the axle started moving. After that I was able to drive the axle out with my little battery powered impact wrench. Slightly better picture from today attached. I've got two new hubs and bearings on order - might as well get it done now, while its easy.

Post by **abscate** » 08 Jan 2019, 23:37

Don't forget those seals , even in LA! About $4 each

Post by **j-dawg** » 09 Jan 2019, 00:30

Oh snap, good call. I'll get those on order too.