CV Axle stuck to hub

[Reprise]

While I was doing my front end rebuild, I heeded the advice of 'tapping' the axle shaft inward to clear it of the knuckle (to avoid pulling it out when angling the knuckle outward) - but despite some (very) strenuous 'tapping' with the BFH on the axle nut (aligned w/ the end of the axle shaft) - I could not move it inward on either the driver or passenger side.

I got the work done, seemingly w/o incident (no detected issues with the axles when I drove it today). However, I want to eventually go back in, both for a leaking seal on the inner CV on the passenger side, and to perform maintenance on the disconnect module.

AFAIK, my hubs are OK (no movement / play, or noise). They're pretty well corroded in place (I didn't attempt to loosen or remove them - but I will, if that's necessary to free the outer axle shafts).

 

[Sparky]

I would recommend spraying some PB Blaster around where the splines of the axle mate with the hub, from both front and behind. Let it sit a while, drive it some, etc. Then smack it again later. PB may help break it loose for you.

 

[Reprise]

Thx, Sparky - I'm pretty sure I did the outer side, but doubt I did the inner. Will try that again in a few days.

(and it appears that this is my 500th post, as well. Yay me...lol)

 

[Mektek]

Definitely soak it overnight with the penetrating fluid. You can heat it with a torch - just don't overdo it or you'll cook your hub.

 

[Mooseman]

Maybe you could fit a large 3 jaw puller?

 

[linneje]

I have used 2 jaw and three job pullers for various hub jobs. I don't know how I would do it otherwise - they very quickly work to free the splines from the hub. If you use a breaker bar with the puller, it takes very little effort.

 

[Tiggerr]

Mechanics Law #1: There’s always a bigger hammer....