Can't remove axles

CavScout

Member
While pulling the differential to replace the drums for discs, we found that the bolt that holds the center pinion has long since been broken.
I don't think that I'll be able to get in there to Easy-Out it, as it sets too far in to get the drill straight. Any ideas?
 

Big Mike

New member
Re: Can't remove axles

Yes I had this happen to me once, you need can either drill a small hole in otherside and try to push it out if the pin did not get wedged in, but I used a 5 pound hammer and pounded the diff pin out , it can be done but takes some time, Also I heard Snap On has a tool to remove broken pins in rears. good luck.
 

CavScout

Member
Re: Can't remove axles

So it's possible to pound the pin out? Would I have to replace the LSD unit, or can it be repaired once it's out.
I guess I'll go bang on it tomorrow...yay.
 

syclone73

New member
Re: Can't remove axles

i have had to grind a groove in pin to remove them before.this is very common on gm trucks . first turn the pin toward the back and rotate it downward just alittle . stuff a bunch of rags around and inside diff area(helps to keeps metal shavings out) . next i have done it 2 ways take a drill bit and drill a few holes in pin end till you hit the bolt . then take small porting bit or dremmel tool and finish cutting groove crossway . you will have to replace pin and bolt but you save carrier. the other way was die grinder with cut off wheel . i cut the same groove in pin to push center pin out .the bolt once the pinis out of the way you can take needle nose vise grips and screw it out slow but it works . BE SURE TO WEAR EYE PROTECTION or face shield of somesort. hope this helps.
 

Don W.

Stab it and steer it
Re: Can't remove axles

If you’re doing what I think you’re doing I wonder if a left-handed drill bit would work? These are available at specialty tool supply houses, (not cheap though) prolly have to call around but they are available. Running is reverse the bit, as soon as it catches, will grab whatever you’re trying to get out and bring it out much like an easy out might without the pilot hole.

Just a thought.
 

CavScout

Member
Re: Can't remove axles

Yep, the pin is hardened so beating it out didn't work. I figure that the pinion should be softer and I guess I'll start drilling it out another day.
Thanks guys.
 
Re: Can't remove axles

I used to use a kit that napa sold to remove these. It consisted of a really long drill bit and an easy out but it worked every time. Also a dental pick can spin out the pin it there are any little bits of threads left. Have patience and be calm and you can get it out without damage to surrounding parts.
 

CavScout

Member
Re: Can't remove axles

That's strange, I went to Napa today and while I was there I asked if anybody had any ideas. Includung the distict manager, who I remember working the counter while I was a kid with my grandfather. I figured if anybody knew it'd be him.
I did try using a scrye to turn it. It snapped flat and there is nothing to stick it into and have it move.
I wondered if I cound just find a long bit and try that, but Napa didn't have any. Guess I could try Home Depot and stuff.
 

jwaller

Evil Genius/SyTy Guru
Re: Can't remove axles

well this you may not wanna hear but it is a solution that does work.

that pin is there to hold the cross shaft that links the smaller gears to the axels.
you can weld the back side of the pin to the differential to keep it from moving in and out and not worry about the bolt.

some times the broken bolt will simply not come out and your stuck. the diff almost has to be destroyed to get it out. i got lucky when mine broke I used a pick and scredriver to back out the piece that was left.
 
Re: Can't remove axles

that sucks, maybe it was a kit put together by the local store in Daytona. either way, good luck, I feel your pain on this one.
 

CavScout

Member
Re: Can't remove axles

I can't leave the bolt in as I'm trying to replace the drums for discs. Besides if I weld it in there whatever fool gets this truck when I die would have to replace the entire axle. It'll be harder to find in 2050 when we all are mandated to drive stupid Honda Halfbreeds.

The bolt does wiggle in there, so it's loose. Since it does I can't figureout why it's broken. I know I didn't break it this time (which would be a first), it was broken before I even opened the cover. The bolt head was almost stripped and I tapped a smaller socket onto it just so I wouldn't make it worse. It should have been a warning, but I know that you should replace it anyway so I didn't think much of it.
 
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NecroWolf

lost marbles member
Re: Can't remove axles

it wiggles in the hole? can get you a pencil with an eraser in there? sometimes that will do it.
 
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