Mechanic needed

[aztecdreams]

I've been tryin to replace a front bearing on a 97 Subaru for the last few weeks on my time off. I just don't have the tools to get the hub off the cv axle. Anybody have some mobile equipment that can pop this off of there? I even tried a 4' cheater bar without success. I'm about to use this car for target practice

 

[yOdaddy]

I would take it to a local shop tell them to just busy it loose and tighten it but tell them not too tight, slip them a $20 and you should be good. I tried busting one on an accord and lost 2 breaker bars with no success...wait can you still drive with the bearings messed up or did it lock?

 

[aztecdreams]

Mechanic needed

They're locked up. I couldn't even get 2 blocks

 

[WatercolorsGuy]

Re: Mechanic needed

Might try spraying it with PB Blaster a few times over the course of a week or so before attempting to loosen it especially if it has rust on it. PB Blaster can be found at pretty much any auto parts place.

 

[yOdaddy]

Just curious what happened to the 4 footer? Were you scared you was going to break the bar? If not i would get another 4 footer steel rod and crank it if you have no other choice.. But in the end something will give

 

[andyrm66]

Heat and force.

 

[jda123]

Yup. Heat it up.

 

[bmb527]

Did you get the axle nut off yet? If no, then rent an electric impact wrench. It will take it right off. If you are trying to drive the axle splines from the hub, put the nut on, just a few threads. Then, take a large brass drift punch and a big hammer, put the punch on the axle, using the nut as a way to keep it centered. Give it a few whacks. It will loosen it up. If you are trying to bust the ball joints loose, DO NOT USE A PICKLE FORK!!!! It will tear the boots and junk out your ball joints. Take a heavy hammer and hold it against the fitting the ball joint fits into. Then, using another big hammer, hit the opposite side. It will drop right out.

 

[aztecdreams]

Mechanic needed

I rented an electric impact wrench. I might as well been giving it love taps with a rubber mallet. Lol. Theres a shop on the other side of the block from me. I'm just gonna drive to over there really slow and have them loosen it for me

 

[bmb527]

If you are talking about the big axle nut, often, there is a groove in the axle and once the nut is installed, they crimp it into the groove, so it can't back off. This is a PITA!! I usually have "decent" luck using a breaker bar and a 3 foot cheater slid onto that. This makes about a 5 foot wrench and so it is easy to get 2-300 ft lbs of torque to bust it loose.
No offense, but if I remember you correctly, you are a fairly light weight guy, it may help you to find yo' self a fatass to put some weight behind the attempt! I would be more than happy to help, but you couldn't afford my gas to come from Seattle!
If you know a mechanic at a shop, it may be easier to just have him do the job, since it is about 2 hours to R&R an axle. Plus, they have a lift so it is easier to work on!!
Good luck!

 

[aztecdreams]

Mechanic needed

I put it all back together and slowly drove it to a shop around the corner that builds race cars. They busted it loose for me in like half a second. Took the assembly to my cousins work and he pressed out the old one and pressed in the new one. Gave each of these guys a 20 pack for their help. Old bearings were no longer round, more of a 5 sided die, and super dry