Drive shaft removal (problem solved)

[Click_It]

Hi guys, I've got the car up on stands and trying to remove the drive shaft (or half shaft) out of the transmission (manual)... I've got the crowbar jammed up there and trying to smash it out with a mallet with no success. I even lodged it in there hard and smashed it with a big piece of hardwood sleeper. Nothing budges this thing. I'm at a loss. It's just one tiny circlip, how can it be so difficult And I'm not sure if I'm risking damage to the transmission from all these failed attempts.

I'm about to give up, put everything back together and take it to the mechanic but we have a few public holidays here so I have a few more days with it first. Is there any advice others might be able to offer, any tricks or suggestions?

[iceracerdude]

the key is to use 2 pry bars, not one. When guys say "oh yeah, it just popped right out with one swat" It's because that axle was probably removed at least once before, weakening that circle clip. See, when you use just one pry bar, you actually set up a binding situation. If I don't have a helper, I place the first pry bar and then tie it off with a strap, say, just tight enough to support the bar. Then I place the second bar, put a little bit of a load on it, and then give it a sharp rap with a hammer. The hub is of course removed from the end of the axle before this procedure is done. Don't forget to drop the atf before you start this. Good Luck

[htchbck]

Are you replacing the axle with another one? If so, then just use the axle itself like a slide hammer to get it out. Push all the way in, then "WHACK" pull it out. Never had a problem doing it like that when replacing, though it can (will most likely) damage the axle when you do it that way so don't try it if you're planning to reuse that axle. Doesn't necessarily work on every car, but on all the festivas I've worked with the inner tripod is caged in the cup and it all comes out together

[WmWatt]

Try rotating the axle. I got mine out by putting my foot (feet?) against the frame and pulling on the outer end while rotating the axle after each pull. When it got around to a good spot out it popped. I also read that when installing an axle make sure the space in the circlip is at the top. Mine went right in no problem. Mine's a 4-speed manual transmission.

[blitzbuggy]

please make sure you are using jack stands, i knew some one who was doing the same by pulling on the half shaft and the car fell on him. broke his ankle, Charles Darwin would be proud, I was not to fond of the individual in question, I always wanted to punch him in the mouth

[devon527]

Hey I couldn't get one of mine out to save my life, but then someone told me to get a small screw driver and stick it in from the other side if I had the other axle out. Then tap the screw driver with a hammer and it pops right out.

[getnpsi]

I stand behind my tuning fork tirerod/balljoint puller tool.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/greatest-tools-7-tie-rod-separator.html

[WmWatt]

blitzbuggy: OP wrote he has the car up on stands. You're right, of course, although I've used concrete blocks.

devon527: People have advised in the forum against removing both axles at the same time because the insides of the transmission can collapse into a heap without at least one axle holding everything in place.

[devon527]

I didn't have a problem, and I've read that too. But I'm not the only person to do it, works like a charm.

[Aspire]

I just pulled 4 CV's out last week & found a quick way to pull even stuck ones without using much force.

Get a simple prybar (I use a cheap one from Harbor Freight). Put the prybar on 1 side of the axle & put some (but not too much) pressure on it.

Then take a small, light, metal-faced hammer (preferrably a bodywork hammer) & tap it fast like a wood-pecker on the side of the "canister" part of the joint that is opposite of the side that you put the prybar on....don't hit hard, just tap it repeatedly, lightly & quickly.

The key is to find the right harmonics & let the vibrations do the work....it will come off smooth like butter. Seriously.

[91mcnasty]

Gonna have to try that I only have a claw hammer but I'll be gentle

[nitrofarm]

[QUOTE=WmWatt;411990] People have advised in the forum against removing both axles at the same time because the insides of the transmission can collapse into a heap without at least one axle holding everything in place.
Watt-I believe that you have read this.I'm jus wondering how its possible.Anyone know how this could happen in a good working tranny? Maybe if the Differential bearings are junk it allows the Diff to drop down just far enough to keep you from installing new axles? Anybody with experience please chime in I'm curious.

[Click_It]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, armed with some new suggestions I'll have another crack at it later today! And to answer the question, yes I have a replacement axle so I don't mind how I get the old one out as long as I get it out Though I am curious about what nitrofarm just mentioned, is there really cause for concern removing both axles at once?

And yes the car is on 2 sturdy stands. I don't go under any car without stands in place first, why take the risk.

[devon527]

I have complete faith in everything staying where it needs to be in the tranny.

[Click_It]

I have complete faith in everything staying where it needs to be in the tranny.

That's good enough for me. It has been looked after too so everything should be in good nick inside there...

Well I've just been playing woodpecker under the car, no luck as yet, stopped for lunch and will try it again. If no luck with that I'll go buy another crowbar and try the 2 prying method mentioned.