remove axle from transmission

[marcusmcd]

My 1996 850 broke an axle while driving cross country. I towed it home and ordered the new axle, got the outer part of the broken axle removed but the inner part is stuck. How-to videos say that the axle should pry out with a minimum of force, being held in only by a C-ring. But it has not budged more than about 2 mm. I can wedge a carpenter's crow bar in that gap, but cannot seem to get any leverage.

This is the driver's side axle, front-wheel-drive automatic.

Also I could not get the tie-bar outer ball-bearing to separate from the wheel assembly. I have not attempted to remove any other parts.

Help!

Thanks,

Mark

PS Guy at the chop shop told us as we were leaving, "Sounds like your axle is about to break." We did not think so since it was not making any "new" noises. We drove an additional 900 miles, then pulled into a truck stop to potty. When we came out, I could visually confirm that the axle was broken.

[scot850]

There are many recent threads and probably how to's in the database of MVS on the use of a cold chisel. They can get stuck but usually the chisel pops them out.

Neil.

[rspi]

If all else fails, take it to a Volvo shop and have them do it.

I'd be amazed to see a broken axle.

[erikv11]

Been using a chisel on every driver's side axle for 10 years now ... http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/83 ... side-axle/

Use a 5/8 chisel (or a tapered, wooden wedge, etc.), tap it straight up from underneath with a heavy hammer. "Pop," it's out.

[marcusmcd]

If all else fails, take it to a Volvo shop and have them do it.

I'd be amazed to see a broken axle.

No Volvo shop within 100 miles and nobody in town will work on them. That's why I have to do it all myself.

I'll post a picture.

MM

[theWIFES_S70]

Make sure you capture the transmission fluid that comes out so you can put that much back in. Last time I swapped an axle on my brother's V70, we lost about 8 oz of transmission fluid.

[98v70dad]

Been using a chisel on every driver's side axle for 10 years now ... http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/83 ... side-axle/

Use a 5/8 chisel (or a tapered, wooden wedge, etc.), tap it straight up from underneath with a heavy hammer. "Pop," it's out.

The cold chisel (for masonry, not wood, (available at home depot or equivalent) works like a charm. Be careful not to hit too hard or you will possibly damage the sealing surface on the old axle, possibly making it worthless for a core refund. I wrapped my chisel in many layers of masking tape just in case. For added protection also knock the sharp edge off with a bench grinder, die grander or file. There is a chisel set at home depot in a pack of three. If I remember right I used the middle sized one and it worked well.

I have also had some success with a pry bar but it took a lot of jerking and prying and I was afraid I would break the transmission case. Two sharp pops on the cold chisel got it out easily.

Remember to drain some transmission fluid or you will get a bath when you pull the axle free. I'm a cheapskate but I replaced the seal while I was at it. They are pretty inexpensive. You need a 2 x 4 or other block of wood and a hammer to install it. You'll find other instructions here about using a plumbing fitting but the wood block is virtually foolproof.

[erikv11]

Wood block is a much better install tool, I agree. The plumbing fitting idea is well intentioned but actually exactly the wrong thing - there is just a narrow surface to drive the seal. With a wood block you can just drive it in flush, just pay a little attention to keeping it straight and you are good. .

[shaker_chi]

Erik, Can you post the picture on here. The picture at volvospeed isn't available anymore. I'm going to be replacing mine in 2 weeks along with the hub.

[tryingbe]

I just use two screw drivers on both side of the axle.