How to remove axle from rear control arm, Rear Control Arm Options

[kaiserms]

[size=6]

I removed the rear swing axles from my '73 914 to replace
the bushings & wheel bearing and have powder coated. I have
torched out 95% of the old rubber bushings but still can't budge
the axle that goes through the center of the control arm.

Do I need a stronger torch? Been using small cannister camp stove
for torch fuel.

Need some clear advice,

Thanks,
Kaiser

[bdstone914]

[size=6]

I removed the rear swing axles from my '73 914 to replace
the bushings & wheel bearing and have powder coated. I have
torched out 95% of the old rubber bushings but still can't budge
the axle that goes through the center of the control arm.

Do I need a stronger torch? Been using small cannister camp stove
for torch fuel.

Need some clear advice,

Thanks,
Kaiser

Use a shop press of a cheap gear puller from Harbor Freight. Clamp it on the flange. I knocked out 5 of them tonight. Replaced the threaded rod with one about 14" and just drive the pivot shaft out. Added a VW bus nut nut threaded onto the pivot shaft to keep the threaded rod centered on the pivot shaft. It does help to heat the metal until the rubber starts to smoke. If the shaft is badly rusted on the ends it is hard to push them through the rubber bushing. Push it one way a little and it if is bulged with rust grind it down and push it back the other way.