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Date:         Sat, 17 Nov 2001 22:19:11 -0800
Reply-To:     Jere Hawn <jbrschawn@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jere Hawn <jbrschawn@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: rear axle nut removal (x-post)
Comments: To: il cikaspers <cikasper@MAIL.CRUZIO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <v04020a00b81cbb56b69b@[63.249.65.195]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

Hi bill,

When mine was really stuck (even though I have had it off a number of time) I took it to the local truck repair shop up by the freeway and asked them if I could use their 3/4" drive air wrench, they said no but they were happy to do it for me. Took about 10 seconds.

Jere 90 GL 88 GL

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf Of il cikaspers Sent: Saturday, November 17, 2001 5:21 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: rear axle nut removal (x-post)

i am putting benT's long studs onto my van's wheels. i started with the back, figuring i'd have a chance to wreck something less expensive that way.

i was able to get all but one of the old studs out by whanging on them with my 3lb sledge. the last is out of the hub, but the clearance to the brake springs isn't enough to let it be pulled out (and i am not going to stretch the springs!). the longer stud, needless to say, probably wouldn't fit in there.

so, i want to remove the axle nut. i know it needs 250 ftlbs to torque it on, and should take something slightly more than that to break it loose. BUT there is a 14 year buildup of rust on the damn thing, and i think it is REALLY stuck on. using an EMPI axle bolt flat wrench, an 18" long 1/2" breaker bar and a 3' cheater i cannot budge the thing. i am turning my axle, in fact.

so, how to best get it off? i am dubious about using heat, as i don't want to melt anything inside the axle stub. liquid wrench seems to be the way to go. also, should i set my parking brake on? it's currently off and the van is blocked (and on a jack stand).

any advice is appreciated.

bill '87 syncro westfalia (3-wheel version for now)


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