How to remove stub axles from diff?

[amaff]

So i've got a diff with the stub axles in. The diff is not on the car for the record.

Any ideas on how to pull them? I'd simply attach an axle to the stubs and yank, but I don't have the nuts that go on those studs (gotta buy a set at some point I'd imagine, but still...). I've tried various pry bars and what not but they all put a bit of a diagonal force on them instead of pulling straight out which does nothing but make them harder to pull lol

Any thoughts?

[nickt93]

Pry! Pry my friend!

I've never had to pull them with the diff off the car, but when the diff is on the car there are a number of leverage points you can use to get enough pressure on the axles to pop them out.

You gotta get more leverage...they are only held in by little snap rings, but those suckers can hold on pretty tightly.

[amaff]

Yeah, I know the circlips is all that's holding them in. They're tenacious little bastards lol

[ben91]

Use a pry bar as a lever, or love taps from a hammer. I find the hammer method easier.
Don't yank an axle; you could damage the joints.

[amaff]

I may need to try the tapping it with a hammer tonight if I've got time after I get home from work. I'd have to take a look, but I don't remember there being anywhere I can get a straight shot at the axle, but I could be mistaken.

[ben91]

You can rotate it to just the right angle and barely get a clean shot, or you can use something like a long 1/2" extension, place one end on the inside of the flange, and tap tap tap on teh other end with the hammer.

[amaff]

cool, thanks. I've got 1/2" extensions coming out of my ears (dropped a miata trans in my garage on jack-stands... twice...) so I should be able to do that. Thanks :)

[metalman]

Two large screw drivers always do it for me. One on each side, driven in, then one sharp snap. They always pop right out.

[amaff]

Driven in how??? IE just wedge the handles between the diff housing and the stub?

[metalman]

Okay I had 1.8 axles in mind.
For 1.6 stubs you must utilize the space between the housing and flange, on opposite sides, for pry points. Uneven pressure is the enemy but even pressure and then a sharp 'jerk' on both sides will usually render them free. Two pry bars should do it.

[amaff]

Okay I had 1.8 axles in mind.

I should have specified, these are 1.8 stub axles

[ben91]

You live near me rite? Help me pull 3 wires through my firewall, and I'll pop your axles out.

[amaff]

You live near me rite? Help me pull 3 wires through my firewall, and I'll pop your axles out.

Hell, I'd help you run the wires regardless :). I'm fairly certain I've got a handle (hur hur hur) on things at this point... I'm just at work for the next 5 hours. I'll see about giving it a shot tonight, if not it'll have to wait til next week, as I'm out of town starting tomorrow.

[ben91]

I'm sure you'll get it. Be aware that the housing will drain if turned on its side, once the axle is out.

[evilmiata]

slide hammer.

[Prodigy]

(I have a big 13 lb slide hammer if you wanna borrow it)