2x4 Method… Fail. Axle Bolt Method… Fail. Any Thoughts?

[CarolinaPanthers]

Hello,

I’ve been stalking any and all suspension install threads leading up to my coilover install.

3 out of the 4 corners went smoothly. Removing the stock strut on the passenger side is a battle. Using the 2x4 method, the knuckle lifted with the strut. Multiple strut spreaders were used, but no avail. Despite removing both sway bar end links, it looks like the sway bar/axle is pushing up on the knuckle.

I switched to the axle bolt method, but I cannot for the life of me get the hub off the spindle. Hitting it with PB Blaster and WD-40 and hammering the old axle bolt is yielding minimal results. Maybe I’m doing it it wrong lol. Ball joint is current separated from LCA.

I’m struggling here. Car is currently in a friends garage on jack stands and I would like to get out of there as soon as I can.

Any thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[scrllock]

How is the sway bar pushing on the knuckle/strut if the endlink is disconnected?

The hub and the spindle are basically the same thing, you mean you can't get the axle out of the hub?

The way I've used is just unbolting the outer axle bolt, threading it back in at least 6 or 7 threads, then pounding it with a dead-blow. If it's not moving, try a bigger hammer.

If you still can't get it out, consider removing the axle at the transmission side instead, just make sure you get a new outer axle bolt.

 

[GTI Jake]

How is the sway bar pushing on the knuckle/strut if the endlink is disconnected?

The hub and the spindle are basically the same thing, you mean you can't get the axle out of the hub?

The way I've used is just unbolting the outer axle bolt, threading it back in at least 6 or 7 threads, then pounding it with a dead-blow. If it's not moving, try a bigger hammer.

If you still can't get it out, consider removing the axle at the transmission side instead, just make sure you get a new outer axle bolt.

Fixed.

 

[scrllock]

Fixed.

How so? If the axle is seized into the hub and he can't get it out, removing it at the other end is the obvious next step.

 

[CarolinaPanthers]

Yes, thank you for clarifying. The axle is stuck in the hub. I’m thinking a torch and a bigger hammer is the next step - I’m beating on the old axle bolt and have a new one ready to go.

Clearly I’m dense; I want to do this while the ball joint is disconnected correct? Should the strut be tightened down as well? As per some instructions, I spread the knuckle, and then went after separating the ball joint from LCA, and then couldn’t remove the axle from the hub and started hitting the old bolt (threaded in a few turns).

 

[CarolinaPanthers]

Just wanted to say thanks for the advice and honestly just talking me off the ledge. I was in full panic mode!

Swung by Harbor Freight for a 3 lb and a 5 lb dead blow hammer and the job went smoothly after that. Antiseize on the splines, new bolt installed and torqued to spec and the install is done.

 

[scrllock]

when in doubt, bigger hammer.

 

[jay745]

when in doubt, bigger hammer.

Accurate

 

[GTI Jake]

How so? If the axle is seized into the hub and he can't get it out, removing it at the other end is the obvious next step.

Because it’ll come out & I’ve seen too many enthusiast who aren’t necessarily mechanics by trade not properly torque in inner CV, which can result in cutting the transmission case (two bolt washer minus one bolt becomes a buzz saw).

So a good rule of thumb is anyone who needs help/advice should just avoid that end all together (for the sake of saving themselves a ton of heartache).

 

[scrllock]

Because it’ll come out & I’ve seen too many enthusiast who aren’t necessarily mechanics by trade not properly torque in inner CV, which can result in cutting the transmission case (two bolt washer minus one bolt becomes a buzz saw).

So a good rule of thumb is anyone who needs help/advice should just avoid that end all together (for the sake of saving themselves a ton of heartache).

I'd argue if someone can't torque a couple bolts they shouldn't be touching suspension/brake work

 

[CarolinaPanthers]

As a goober with a wrench, getting an accurate torque reading while using extensions on the inner axle bolts was a turn off for me. I was glad to get it done with the one large axle bolt.

Not much else add, but @jay745 “What would Glenn Danzig do?” is a great motto!!

 

[scrllock]

As a goober with a wrench, getting an accurate torque reading while using extensions on the inner axle bolts was a turn off for me. I was glad to get it done with the one large axle bolt.

Not much else add, but @jay745 “What would Glenn Danzig do?” is a great motto!!

it's 100% the correct way to do it, as long as the outer bolt isn't seized I think it's the easiest way too.

Extensions don't change torque unless you change the angle, ala u-joints.

 

[GTI Jake]

I'd argue if someone can't torque a couple bolts they shouldn't be touching suspension/brake work

100% agree, but that’s the way Paul from DAP told a whole generation VW owners with zero experience & the end result was a ton of paperweight transmissions.

Most dealership techs can’t torque anything properly lol

 

[Sub-to-Dub]

Glad you got it sorted out! I ran into a similar situation last year and had to venture out for a big brass punch for some additional persuasion.