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!

[356'er]

I would avoid removing the stub axle, you may damage the bearing, it may also be rusted to the bearing, for me it was and the stub axel wasn't easy out and only a little easier going back in.

I did remove the outer CV recently and to get it apart I put a couple of a bolt diameter sized punches (they are longer and provide some leverage) in two of the holes where the bolts were on the outer CV and as gently as possible worked them back and forth, alternating with the other two holes to get a crack started between the CV and the stub axle. Once the crack opens up enough you could use something "L" shaped to stick in the gap and help lever the pieces apart, again alternating around the CV and being as gentle as possible. I had a Harbor Freight mini pry war that did the trick and didn't scar either surface.

Good luck -hope you make it.

Jonathan