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I’m trying to remove my transaxle to replace my clutch, after several hours of working on removing my axle nut I have managed to strip it. Does anyone have a good method on removing it? My vehicle info is 2003 Pontiac Vibe 1.8L 2WD FWD 5 speed manual. I used PB Blaster and let to soak over night, after several attempts with an impact wrench and using a breaker bar, all it wants to do is strip more. It does not have a cotter pin, it is notched, on 1 side I punch the notch straight and still no success. The other nut I cut half off with a Dermel and it still won’t budge. Is there a way I can leave the axle attached but still remove it from the transmission or am I at the cutting the axle and replacing it stage? Thanks in advance for any responses!!
Andy
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Hey Andy,
I have a few suggestions for you. If you drive a chisel into the crack made by the Dremel tool it will most likely spread, and loosen right up. If you have access to a cutting torch, it is possible to cut the nut without damaging the cv shaft. You just cut the side off the nut. Hope this helps you.I would go ahead and drive a chisel into that notch. Sears often has chisels for sale for a dollar or two. I keep a few around for just such purposes. A few good whacks should get ‘er done.
I would use a Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set. I’ve dealt with many stripped/broken bolts and nuts and the Set was a huge help. Attached is a photo of what the sockets look like.
[quote=”Marigh” post=83295]I would use a Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set. I’ve dealt with many stripped/broken bolts and nuts and the Set was a huge help. Attached is a photo of what the sockets look like.[/quote]
Those are amazing tools, however, I have never seen one big enough to use on a spindle nut. Most are in the range of 30 mm or so, some a bit smaller, some a bit larger.
[quote=”Tomh” post=83302][quote=”Marigh” post=83295]I would use a Damaged Bolt/Nut Remover Set. I’ve dealt with many stripped/broken bolts and nuts and the Set was a huge help. Attached is a photo of what the sockets look like.[/quote]
Those are amazing tools, however, I have never seen one big enough to use on a spindle nut. Most are in the range of 30 mm or so, some a bit smaller, some a bit larger.[/quote]
You are right, I just looked up the Set and it looks like they don’t come with bigger size extractors. I wonder why they don’t make them!
[quote=”AndyM” post=83301]Has anyone ever removed the axle without removing the axle nut?[/quote]
I never tried but I am 100% certain you can’t, unless you cut the axle. You can keep trying to cut the nut or if you have a welder and there is enough room, you can weld a solid metal bar to the nut and turn it.
I’m not certain why they don’t make those bolt extractors bigger, they are amazing tools. One of those things you only need once or twice a year, but it saves you a massive amount of aggravation when you do need it!
I had a set of those for probably two years and never touched them, then I stripped a nut on my fuel pump cover. No way I was going in there with the dremel, no room for vice grips, my usual list of tricks for stripped stuff was out. The bolt / nut extractor worked a charm though, got the mangled nut of with ease.
I would definitely put a chisel in the slit you cut into the nut. I would also cut another slit on the other side and see if I could remove the nut that way.
[quote=”Marigh” post=83305][quote=”AndyM” post=83301]Has anyone ever removed the axle without removing the axle nut?[/quote]
I never tried but I am 100% certain you can’t, unless you cut the axle. You can keep trying to cut the nut or if you have a welder and there is enough room, you can weld a solid metal bar to the nut and turn it.[/quote]
Too bad, that is the only thing stopping me from changing this clutch. It looks like a new axle is only $36.00 I may try and cut them and just replace them. New parts are always a good thing! Thanks again for the info!
Andy
Yeah, there is usually a way of pulling the axles out of the transmission without pulling them out of the hubs. The thing is you disconnect other parts of the suspension to allow the axle to move far enough to be clear of the transmission. This can be the ball joint or maybe the connection to the strut.
That said, if the threads on the axle are now in anyway damaged the axle is toast.
[quote=”Tomh” post=83310]I’m not certain why they don’t make those bolt extractors bigger, they are amazing tools. One of those things you only need once or twice a year, but it saves you a massive amount of aggravation when you do need it!
I had a set of those for probably two years and never touched them, then I stripped a nut on my fuel pump cover. No way I was going in there with the dremel, no room for vice grips, my usual list of tricks for stripped stuff was out. The bolt / nut extractor worked a charm though, got the mangled nut of with ease.[/quote]
I have usually had bad luck with caliper bolts that were rusted and the Set was just what I needed. I have used it more than I thought I would. It is a must have Set and it would be nice if they make extractors that are bigger in size.
[quote=”AndyM” post=83301]Has anyone ever removed the axle without removing the axle nut?[/quote]
Sorry I mentioned that you can’t. As barneyb stated, you can remove some suspension components out of the way to make room for the axle to come out of the Trans. How are the axle threads, are they damaged?
The axle threads r still good. Thankfully they haven’t been damaged, I bought some cold chisels and a propane torch, I’m going to give it some heat and try to break the nut loose. Work has gotten in the way these last few days so looks like Christmas Day car repair it is. Thanks again to all the replies, and I will post pics of the after math and hopefully my success in this project.
Andy
Good news, I got the axle but off. It took me getting a small axle socket and hammering it on, and with little effort on the breaker bar it came right off. I do have a question would it be a good idea to “notch” the new axle nut? Removing the axle was also a big pain in the butt. But I got it all complete and now have a new clutch. Thanks for all the people that responded!!
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