Not familiar with the dremel tool. What it would do?
Axle splines stuck in the knuckle
- Thread starter parshisa
- Start date
Hand held electric rotory tool, Dremel is a common brand IIRC. I used my Ryobi version last weekend to cut a slit in two rusted hex nuts that hold the sway bar end links. Rusted to heck, couldn't hold the ball socket end secure. Used small cut off wheels and worked enough to weaken the nuts.
I had a similar problem with a 27 year old Lexus LS400. I hung the axle and hub between two saw horses and filled the cupped area in the hub around the axle with penetrating oil. After a day or so, I saw the oil was soaking in. After another day or so of adding penetrating oil, I.was able to punch out the axle with a spike and a big hammer.
Yes. Pounding on the threaded end of the axle is definitely a "no no." If the axle nut won't thread back on, you will have to file off the damaged threads on the end of the axle and get a die to dress up the threads. Also get yourself a new nut and be extremely careful not to cross thread the things..
I considered that, but instead did the trick with the expendable plastic jar installed horizontally and filled with Kroil through a hole at the top (side of the jar, but top as installed). It was sealed to the hub with silicone, to prevent the penetrating oil leaking out. Bit of a hassle, but seemed to help.
Axle threads were fine. Axle came out with a proper tool with some effort with no issues. That side is done and I’ve used a new axle nut
We learn from mistakes
If you dont have a sawzall the depot has them relatively cheap. Many differant blade options blades mount normally 2 differant ways in tool. I wont even begin to tell you how many times I have used mine to save the day. Live Learn.
An update on the saga…after almost two days of fighting with the pesky nut, I was emotionally and physically exhausted, and decided to throw in the towel. Put the left from suspension back together and drove it straight to a Honda mechanic I’ve taken my cars before. 24 hrs later and 3.5 franklins lighter pilot is back in my possession. Alignment done as well. All in all, I feel defeated and not fully accomplished. I suppose my “success” with timing belt and spark plugs job had lead me to believe I’m capable to take on any job. However, I’ve gained experience and learned a few valuable lessons, as well as saved a little over 2k while keeping bunch of tools I had to buy. I greatly appreciate everyone’s support, suggestions and tips shared. Cheers to a Great community
More tools, a shop, a lift, a blue wrench, a couple welders, air compressor, air hammer. <-----Christmas wish list to email to your family
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- Jun 2, 2002
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Very good point. I did not think that one through. Thanks!
twouvakind
Site Donor 2025
O'Reilly's allows you to buy your rental outright, an option?
I did get a bigger one that is for 5 studs but bigger wheel hub OD
So here is what I do... I review the service manual if you have one. I check youtube for information. I dive in. IF you can do a timing belt (and do it right) you have some mad skills. just not the mad tools. Dont buy tools when you can get a loaner. I once spent almost an entire weekend replacing exhaust manifolds on my 2010 f150 cutting the exhaust manifolds out in 8 pieces with the said "sawzall" because the studs were frozen in the manifolds. The manifold removal would have been 30 job with the correct tool. AKA the red wrench (blue wrench) Oxy acetelyne (torch). I know because in my younger years I had one. Anyone that knows that job... I want you to trust me when I say that is not for the weak hearted even with the correct tools. I lost a pound of flesh on that one literally. Find a good mechanic and trust them for the stubborn ones. At least you were sensible enough the stop before you hurt yourself of something else. Me? Well I am not so sensible. lol.
I think I got lucky with timing belt that everything went as planned. I’ve done my homework with going through the Honda manuals and watching different tutorials. However, my recent experience made me realize that final success of the any job is mostly determined by the ability and skill to react to adverse conditions, which in my case was a tight nut. I failed to properly address the issue due to lack of experience (didn’t seek for the right tool and, as a result, got too far to be able to resolve myself). And I actually did hurt myself, almost broke my pinky (not very proud of this) hence decided it was time get some professional help. Lessons learned. Thanks for your feedback!
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Had this happen once working on a friend's daughter's Jeep Cherokee. I could not get the thing out for the life of me. Air hammer, slide hammer, heat, and various types of presses and it would not come out. In the end, I just replaced the entire hub assembly as it really wasn't that expensive and she needed her car back. Sometimes you just end up with too much of a problem and have to take care of it another way.
Yeah I've said this before and you learned it. The beauty of a fully equipped shop is having 15 different ways to skin a cat, progressing from easy to full medieval scorched earth.
I remember working in a driveway with limited tools and knowing I didn't have much to progress up the ladder if problems arose. Now, I rarely panic or blink an eye because there's gotta be something in my shop that'll solve my problem, I just have to think.
"boss" Yes the pressures of confused looks and "you should have just" statements are a tough pill to swallow. I have a few bosses as well
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