Resolved 1G Rear spindle nut removal tips?

[dwb]

I'm replacing rear wheel bearings, bushings, ball joints, struts, etc. in my 91 AWD. I removed and have one rear trailing arm/spindle on my workbench. I'm having a hard time cracking the 27mm axle shaft nut loose. I don't have a capable pneumatic impact, and I'm not finding a way to get leverage against the lug studs without damaging them.

Short of reinstalling the hub/control arms/wheel/strut back on the car and using the brake or dropping the wheel on the ground, how else can I crack this thing loose?

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[Ludachris]

Might consider adding a wooden jig to keep the hub in place (fit it over the studs and extend it to the floor) so as to not damage the studs. A crowbar always worked for me but I could see how that could cause some thread damage on a seized nut. Always use as much leverage as you can on the breaker bar - I use a jack handle on top of the breaker bar for stuff like this. Obviously the usual step of soaking it with WD40 first, though I'm sure you've done that.

 

[dwb]

Might consider adding a wooden jig to keep the hub in place (fit it over the studs and extend it to the floor) so as to not damage the studs. A crowbar always worked for me but I could see how that could cause some thread damage on a seized nut. Always use as much leverage as you can on the breaker bar - I use a jack handle on top of the breaker bar for stuff like this. Obviously the usual step of soaking it with WD40 first, though I'm sure you've done that.

That exact scenario went through my head after I posted. A 2x4 or 2x6 board drilled out to fit the lugs. Or possibly some flat steel. I might have to loosely put the arm back on the car to hold it in place as to not damage the brake dust shield. I got cheater bars and a breaker bar, so I should be good with leverage as long as I can hold the hub still.

The other side will be SOOOO much easier once I figure out this side. Probably crack the nut loose before loosening the strut/arms.

 

[pauleyman]

That exact scenario went through my head after I posted. A 2x4 or 2x6 board drilled out to fit the lugs. Or possibly some flat steel. I might have to loosely put the arm back on the car to hold it in place as to not damage the brake dust shield. I got cheater bars and a breaker bar, so I should be good with leverage as long as I can hold the hub still.

The other side will be SOOOO much easier once I figure out this side. Probably crack the nut loose before loosening the strut/arms.

If you have a wooden workbench I always used the bench sacrificially. Drill 5 holes, drop the hub in it, then the nut is face up. Put the breaker bar on and go to town.. or maybe screw a few 2x4 to the bench so all you're left with is a couple screw holes.

 

[dwb]

This was too easy. Didn't even need a cheater. Thanks for the tips!

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