Suggestions on removing axle nut?

Sting · Post by **Sting** » 13 Nov 2004, 19:12

96 850 160k

I am going to replace the front hub, but am having tremendous difficulty removing the 36mm axle nut. I have broken two 28" breaker bars. Any suggestions on how I might get this nut off short of taking it to someone with an impact?

Smash · Post by **Smash** » 13 Nov 2004, 21:45

Geez, is it that bad? Sure you are turning counter-clockwise? You can try some WD-40 or equivalent and let it soak overnight but yep an impact will probably spin that thing right off. Go to a mom/pop type auto place and let them loosen/retighten the nuts for you so you can go back and do it at home.

The axles are VERY easy to replace, murphy's law is not in your favor is it?

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 14 Nov 2004, 19:49

The penetrating oil is a good idea but if you have broken 2 28inch braker bars on it I don't think it will help very much. You may try to go up in size on the breaker bar - if you are using 1/2 drive go to a 3/4 drive. A 1/2 inch GP impact gun will only develop 185-200 ft lbs @ 110 psi, I don't think that will help much.

I don't have my manual handy but if I recall the nut is supposed to be tourqued to 165 ft lbs (don't quote me on this figure). You should have expended about twice that if you broke a 1/2 inch drive 28 inch bar. You may also want to verify that it is a right handed thread and not left -handed. A torch may help but you can damage other parts if you heat it too much - it would be my last resort.

Sometimes it is worth paying a mechanic to do the bad jobs...

Good Luck,
T