rgorke
Dedicated LVC Member
I a going to be replacing my rear half axle soon. Is there an alternative for this tool? Or something else you all have used?
The "Hub removal" tool is suppose to pull the whole knuckle away from the axle...
Ok, now I get what you are saying...if I use the heat and PB, I won't need the "tool", the axle should just slide out easily. yes, all the bolts for the knuckle will be removed so I am not pulling the half axle out of the differential (per the instructions below).I know what you are trying to do.
Actually... the hub removal tool is used to pull the hub flange out of the bearing, (thus the name HUB removal tool... not axle removal tool).
Since the knuckle is attached to both the upper and lower control arm... there is no way to pull the knuckle away from the axle shaft... and if you unbolt the knuckle... all you will do is pull the axle shaft out of the differential... and the axle shaft will still be stuck in the hub flange.
Even then... if you do pull the hub flange out of the knuckle... the bearing will still be in the way, and prevent you from pulling the axle shaft out through the hole in the knuckle... meaning you will still have to unbolt the knuckle from the control arms to get the axle shaft out.
if I use the heat and PB, I won't need the "tool", the axle should just slide out easily
I think that is what the half shaft tool 205-475 is for...I picked one up pretty cheap.IIRC... I used a carefully placed pry bar on a wooden block to pop the axle shaft out of the diff... supporting the shaft with my other hand.