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Stuck nut on the axle

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Old 04-01-2010, 11:52 AM
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Default Stuck nut on the axle

Yesterday I got to work replacing the front passenger bearing/hub for my brother'* 99 GP GTP and after some convincing with the impact wrench I finally got the 36mm axle nut to the end of the long thread...but not it is stuck there, impact wrench won't budge it and we even broke 2 1/2" drive breaker bars trying to get this thing off. Now it won't move either way, tried heating and soaking with penetrating oil, even grease but it just won't budge.

So now I have the GP stuck at my buddies house, if no one has a suggestion how to get it off is there danger in me driving it a few miles to a shop to have them do it since the 3 bolts that hold the bearing in from the back are still there
Old 04-01-2010, 11:56 AM
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You could undo the 3 bolts, pull the axle and bring it to them. The axle should pop out and the CV'* should slide out through the bearing hole.

You could also drive it the short distance. With the balljoint and knuckle in place the axle has no where to go and can't come out.

Never heard of anyone getting that far and having it lock up. Sounds like it cross threaded or filled with rust and junk to lock up that solid.
Old 04-01-2010, 12:01 PM
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It was a little rusty near the end but you could still clearly see the threads, I'm going to give someone a call and see if he has any ideas on what to do if not I might have to take it to him
Old 04-01-2010, 12:31 PM
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You could cut the nut with a Dremel tool but it seems to me somebody must have hammered on the axle at one time and might need some work to thread a new axle nut on the shaft.
I would take the advise of the member that suggested to take the whole axle out if that is at all possible bacause than you can have a good look at the problem with the threads.
I would not drive it with the nut stuck on the end of the threads. Good luck.
Old 04-01-2010, 12:46 PM
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Sounds like a damaged thread on the axle. Lots of heat and PB blaster. Also, if you heat it real good, then touch some paraffin wax to it, that may loosen it up. I've seen wax do amazing things when added to some heat.
Old 04-01-2010, 12:50 PM
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Gotta ask this question, have you tried to re-tighten the nut?
Old 04-01-2010, 12:51 PM
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Typically, I've seen more power do wonders. When I was running lower air pressure on a less efficient air gun it would struggle to get things like this off. Upgrading pressure/supply of air and the gun has done wonders to my ability to remove stubborn things.

Most likely the mechanic down the street is pushing 150psi (pretty standard) and a good Ingersol gun.
Old 04-01-2010, 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by GXP Venom
Gotta ask this question, have you tried to re-tighten the nut?
Yep it must be stuck somewhere in the middle

Yah Bill I'm running just over 120 PSI through a Campbell-Hausfield Gun

I'll try and heat it and add some wax, if not I'll probably take it somewhere close because I'm don't want to cut it off
Old 04-01-2010, 02:09 PM
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Heating is probably not the answer in this case. The nut heats up like mad and also the axle when it'* being forced off/on against it'* will.

Many times allowing the item to cool will help it get moving again. I do like the parafin thing that Dan mentioned. But who has that laying around except for Barbarians that torture indentured slaves?
Old 04-01-2010, 05:22 PM
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Birthday candles, whatever. PB Blaster on moderately heated parts have helped me in the past. I agree with Bill on the heat. If you try it, just a little around the nut and go. Blasting it hot will only expand all. Your CH impact gun is no comparison to a nut cracking Ingersoll or Snap On. Even if you could hit 150psi. George the local mechanic has a premium Snap On that shears lug bolts if you dont turn the thing down.


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