Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Front Axle Nut

[Blackend]

Has anyone had toubles removing their Front Axle Nut ? I lost a front brake pad and chewed up my driverside rotor. I decided to replace both rotors and pads. The problem I am having is getting the passenger side nut off. The nut size is 1-11/16. I've tried a 1/2" impact and a large cheater bar and some heat. The nut just won't budge and I used about a years supply of WD-40 so far. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

 

[stevegeorge]

My 99 did the same thing. Ended up taking a dremel tool with a cutting disc attached and cut several deep notches in opposite sides of nut, then taking a chisel and using it like a wedge, broke the nut in half. Did not screw up threads either. Hope this helps.

 

[icarus33]

WD-40 is great for displacing water, not the best for freeing up frozen parts. PB Blaster is excellent stuff, Liquid Wrench is decent too. I only soaked that nut for maybe 10 minutes before attempting to brake loose using PB. The spec'd torque is 175ft/lbs, but it seems more than that initially.

I broke mine loose with a 1/2" breaker bar, had a cheater bar handy, but did not need. Used a squatting lift technique to get the leg power.



good luck,



ic

 

[BillGotthelf]

Don't know how much different my 96 is from yours but I used a 3/4" air impact gun with socket-I had to put a long screw driver in the dualie adapter bolts so it would not turn and they came right off. Oh yea I did remove cotter pins first.

 

[bighammer]

I used a 3/4" drive socket with a breaker bar and a 4' persuader handle. I break it loose while the truck is on the ground so I don't have to hold the wheel from spinning.



I agree removing the cotter pin makes it much easier

 

[tleclair]

I have an air arc and a blow torch at work, bring it on over I'll get that sucker off. Can't garrenty the threads will look to good when I'm done tho. Or if you want I can get (Bertha) our 3/4 " impact from work and bring that over for ya. Let me know tonight at the Hockey game I might be able to sneak into work in the morning and get it. P. S. I was just kidding about the air arc and torch. Later, Bro

 

[Rockcrusher]

Originally posted by Blackend

Has anyone had toubles removing their Front Axle Nut ? I lost a front brake pad and chewed up my driverside rotor. I decided to replace both rotors and pads. The problem I am having is getting the passenger side nut off. The nut size is 1-11/16. I've tried a 1/2" impact and a large cheater bar and some heat. The nut just won't budge and I used about a years supply of WD-40 so far. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.

Oil of wintergreen is a good penetrating agent too. Used to use it a lot in the Navy to break loose rusty bolts on steam lines.

 

[Blackend]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I ended up just grinding the nut on two sides and used a chisel to remove the nut. At the moment I'm putting the parts back together. No problem there. One stealer wanted $19 and the other one (smaller dealer)charged me $17. They are about 15 miles apart. By the way tleclair you could stop and help me little brother.