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Front wheel axle

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by mikef, May 5, 2012.

  1. mikef

    mikef New Member

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    I have a new tire for my '82 550 Maxim and I'm attempting to remove the front wheel to bring it to the tire place, but I cannot remove the front axle.

    I removed the cotter pin from the castle nut, removed the castle nut, loosened the pinch bolt. From the right-hand (pinch-bolt) side I can slide the axle about 1/4", but only until it stops on the inside of the pinch clamp. Then it goes no further. There is a larger diameter that is stopping on the inside of the pinch clamp.

    What am I doing wrong? This should be simple, but I must be missing something.
     
    mikef, May 5, 2012
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  2. mikef

    mikef New Member

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    Penetrating oil and a little attention with a mallet and I'm good to go. Sorry for the noise!
     
    mikef, May 5, 2012
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  3. hellbilly

    hellbilly Member

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    I am having a problem along the same lines I am not able to get the castle nut off any ideas for a guy without an impact wrench.
     
    hellbilly, May 5, 2012
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  4. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    You should not need a impact wrench to take the axle nut off. Keep the pinch bolt tight while turning the nut. If the axle turns put a screwdriver or pin in the hole on the pinch bolt side of the axle to help hold it. A big adjustable or socket should do the trick.

    As for the first question. Some gentle tapping with a hammer will help slide the axle out. Be sure to use a wood block between the hammer and axle. Wou don't want to mess up the threads.
     
    mlew, May 5, 2012
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  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    A word of caution to the both of you:

    If you had to tap the axle out, it was "stuck" to the spacer between the wheel bearings or to an inner bearing race. Be sure you didn't accidentally displace a wheel bearing in the process.

    If you have to seriously beat on a front axle to remove it, then I would replace the wheel bearings.
     
    bigfitz52, May 6, 2012
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  6. mikef

    mikef New Member

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    Thanks for the advice, Fitz. The spacer was stuck on the axle, and fortunately the axle was apparently moving freely through the bearings, but new front bearings are on my short list :)
     
    mikef, May 6, 2012
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  7. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I understand. But hammering the "stuck" spacer against the inside of the bearing's inner race in the course of freeing the axle is the same as if the axle were stuck in the bearing itself. Hence my advice of caution.

    If it took some serious pounding just replace the bearings now.
     
    bigfitz52, May 6, 2012
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