Half axle removal, How to dislodge the outer ends? Options

[PDXMike]

I need to remove the half axles so I can tow my motor less car. I have all of the bolts out, but I can't get the outer joints to separate. When I did the transmission ends I used a screwdriver to pry them apart. At the outer end I can't get anything inside the swing arm to do the prying.

I'm very tempted to just use the axle as a slide hammer to pull itself out, but that seems like a bad idea.

I'm supposed to have this thing at the shop first thing tomorrow morning.

Thanks!

[ThePaintedMan]

Here is a thread discussing the issue with some of the most knowledgeable guys here weighing in:

http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...=193216&hl=

As McMark suggested, if there are wheels that are on the car which will allow you to break the hub nut loose, you can pull the stub axle out on both sides, then separate the axles from the stubs. BUT do NOT tow it without them back in and tightened back down. You'll ruin the bearings if you do.

If you only need to get it a few blocks, you might be able to zip-tie or coat-hanger the axles up and out of the way, but it's risky. I made it home with my car like that, but only because I didn't know that the PO had unbolted the inner CVs! The exhaust supported the axles, but they clanged around and bent the bolts which were still in the CVs. Luckily it didnt tear into the transmission.