Stuck driver-side front axle

[heycosmo]

I have a 1993 Subaru Legacy L 4x4 wagon with a driver-side outer cvboot
ripped in half. Noticed it after some thumping sounds in that wheel
well showed up. Gonna replace the axle but I can't get the splined end
out of the steering knuckle/hub! I have done everything to it, the
latest being anchoring a beefy hub puller to the lug bolts that has a
push rod pressing on the end of the axle sticking out through the hub.
I crank as tightly as I possibly can on that push rod, then hit the end
of it with a mallet with all my strength, all the while prepping with
penetrating oil and heat from my propane torch. What the heck?? From
what I read, the spline should NOT be stuck in there that hard. I have
looked behind the steering knuckle a thousand times for some sort of
retaining pin or something that's holding it in. Nothing. Following the
Haynes manual to a T. Any ideas anyone? Anyone had the same problem?
Anyone just wanna gripe at stuff that is way too stuck? I'm all ears.
Thanks!

Carl

 

[Edward Hayes]

Not too familiar with 93s but, my Suby has a roll-pin/spring pin that
must be removed with a straight punch.

 

[heycosmo]

Yours has a pin at the outer cv-joint? What model/year is yours? Can
you describe where you find the pin? I know I have to remove a pin for
taking the axle out of the transmission (at the inner cv-joint), but
there isn't a pin in sight for the wheel end and the Haynes manual
doesn't say anything about one either.

 

[Edward Hayes]

The roll pin is on the inner cup where the axel enters the
differential. No I don't think there is a pin on the wheel end. Sorry
if I mislead you.

 

[BARRY DONOVAN]

If it is that stuck and destroyed, slam it with a sledge(metal to metal),
that stuck shouldn't be too worried about just putting in a new axle cleanly
(you most likely will need more--)Even If it still spins ok, just really
pound it with a sledge anyway. I bet it is grooved to bearings if splines
got that mated.Heat recovered with new stuff and old mixed is going to be
sloppy...
I have the smaller loyale 1993 same problem a year ago-- lucky for me it
just barely came out with a mallett and I was able to just replace the
axle/regrease.A ripped boot creates an awesome heat all the way to the ends.

 

[johninKY]

I know you removed the inboard roll pin but have you also then disconnected
the axle from the differential? Plan on also replacing the wheel bearing
because it almost surely has seized onto the axle. Once you have removed
the axle you will see the only thing preventing the axle from comng out
has to be the bearing.

 

[Stephen H]

I use a air hammer and a pointy tip. Put it in the dimple in the center and
vibrate it out. Only once did I have to remove one to a press


--
Stephen W. Hansen
ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
ASE Automobile Advanced Engine Performance
ASE Undercar Specialist

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/l/bl_obd_main.htm
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm