Axle Shaft Removal Issue

airforceret

airforceret

Member
Location
Mishawaka, Indiana
2001 TJ... Dana 30... ARB Locker... Passenger Front

I've got the 3 bolts out, but it will not break loose to get the axle shaft out. I've sprayed the crap out of it with PB Blaster... did the trick with a flat chisel and hammer to try to pop it out... still no luck! Any suggestions? I'm getting a bit exhausted from pounding on it... I should have guessed when the bolts weren't an issue that I'd encounter something else!

I didn't think this D30 had c clips, but maybe I need to pull the cover and check.

Thx Roger
 
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Don't bother pulling the cover for c-clips. They aren't there. That unit bearing is just a real bugger to get out if it hasn't come out since it was new. It will be rusted in pretty good and need some seriouse convincing to get out.
 
TJDukit said:
Don't bother pulling the cover for c-clips. They aren't there. That unit bearing is just a real bugger to get out if it hasn't come out since it was new. It will be rusted in pretty good and need some seriouse convincing to get out.
Click to expand...

yep super tight sleave fit.
 
I didn't think it had a c-clip!!! But in my old age, thought maybe I was loosing my mind!!!! It's where the bearing assembly attaches to the spindle with the 3 12pt bolts. It was out about 5 years ago when the gears and locker were installed so I didn't think it would be this seized up!!!
 
it will seize like crazy if you didn't use liberal amounts of antiseize.
Heat the knuckle with a propane torch. Cool with PB Blaster. Smack the unit bearing with a hammer. Then go back to your flat chisel.
 
Put a socket and extension on a partially threaded-in unit bearing bolt and then wedge the other side of the extension against the inner knuckle, or a suspension bracket. Start the Jeep, turn the steering wheel and use your power steering as a press...

The pirated pic is of a Dodge 3/4 ton truck axle, but the Jeeps are put together very similar, and the trick works great!

1104dp_16_o+dodge_front_axle_upgrades_to_handle_serious_power+socket_and_unit_bearing_bolt.jpg
 
I've always been able to just hammer on the back of the Hub surface to get them off.... On bigger trucks with unit bearings, you can use the bolt to press it off with the powersteering.
 
Thx... Will give that a try!!! Guess patience will be a virtue today... I'm guessing i was in a rush and probably forgot about anti-seize in my haste to get things back together!

Or (like today) I was sick and just didn't think about it!

Roger
 
bryson said:
Put a socket and extension on a partially threaded-in unit bearing bolt and then wedge the other side of the extension against the inner knuckle, or a suspension bracket. Start the Jeep, turn the steering wheel and use your power steering as a press...

The pirated pic is of a Dodge 3/4 ton truck axle, but the Jeeps are put together very similar, and the trick works great!

View attachment 78557
Click to expand...
If id seen this sooner this is exactly what I always do. It works great and is super simple.
 
bryson said:
Put a socket and extension on a partially threaded-in unit bearing bolt and then wedge the other side of the extension against the inner knuckle, or a suspension bracket. Start the Jeep, turn the steering wheel and use your power steering as a press...

The pirated pic is of a Dodge 3/4 ton truck axle, but the Jeeps are put together very similar, and the trick works great!

View attachment 78557
Click to expand...

This. Had to do it on my Dodge about a month ago.
 
Well it took some creativity (doesn't it always), but the makeshift press idea worked! Not too many things you can use to wedge against, but with the help of a piece of 2x4 i was able to use the shock mount and lower control arm bolt to create a base for a wedge point on the back, and used the sway bar bracket on the front side. Had to go back and forth between front and back a couple times before it popped loose. I knew it was working because the backing plate would wiggle. I'm going to have to clean the axle tube as it's literally half full of dried up mud. You can see where the axle shaft was spinning in it. Think i'll cleanup the spindle with an emery cloth and be sure to anti seize before it goes back together.

I'm going to have to press part of the ball joint out of the spindle as it was broken inside the ball joint and came out with it.... Glad to be doing this in the garage rather than out on the trail in the spring!

Thanks again for the helpful advise! And to think this is just one side.....

Roger
 
bryson said:
The second side is always easier. :)
Click to expand...

I hope it's easier... LOL Had to be creative to press the broken balll joint stud out of the spindle. thanks to a big crowbar to keep the spindle from rotating and a big breaker bar, got that done. But the bottom ball joint is still seized up and won't press out... gonna let it soak overnight and get back at it after work tomorrow (if I'm not too sick). Had enough pressure on it that it was starting to warp the press (thanks to a 6 foot piece of pipe on the breaker bar).
 
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