What to do with a seriously stuck half shaft

[Lee]

Today was the first time I’ve had a drive shaft so stuck heat and a hammer wouldn’t shift it. This morning on two swing arms from a 2.0 both half shafts needed some hydraulic force.

This tool has been sat on the shelf for 3 months hoping we would never need it. This is the kit.

The only thing the kit didn’t include was a way to stop the hub from rotating.

And as always once loaded with force the loud crack gave us ringing in our ears. Safe to say money well spent.

If anyone has a stuck drive shaft come use this tool.

 

[t-tony]

First used one of those little hydraulic pullers as an old boy learning to repair tractors and other agric. equipment. Amazing the power they have.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

I had to take one into a workshop recently to get it removed. That's the tool he used (10-ton capacity I believe) but it also needed heat before it went.

 

[Pingu]

Looks like it was as stuck as a Mini flywheel.

Did it go with a bang?

BTW, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who thinks "I'll clear up tomorrow"

 

[Lee]

Looks like it was as stuck as a Mini flywheel.

Did it go with a bang?

Yeah a 10mins ear ringing kinda bang.

 

[t-tony]

Yep, that's what you got with the Mini flywheel puller. I recently sold mine so that's all in the past.

Tony.

 

[FRANKIE]

Tools are half the job....(at the least)...............Frankie

 

[t-tony]

Tools are half the job....(at the least)...............Frankie

And knowing how to use them ?

Tony.

 

[Faheem]

Wish I had this tool last weekend. Was trying to change the reluctor rings on a friends E87 118d, had the driveshaft removed from the diff end and the 30mm hub nut nut off, hit it with a blow hammer for over an hour, lots of penetrating fluid and even some heat from my blow torch and it just wouldn't budge. Had to put it all back together in the end.

 

[t-tony]

Great tool to have Faheem but not a cheap tool to have unless you expect it to get plenty of use.

Tony.

 

[Faheem]

Yep, I think you may be right @t-tony just seen one on Amazon for £400, probably be cheaper if the garage just does it I was tempted to try an air hammer on it but if the shaft still doesnt budge I could end up with a potentially ruined drive shaft end and no way of getting the car back together.

This video was interesting, not a BMW but a focus where the shaft is completely seized and not even an air chisel could break it free. Had to apply 1 ton of pressure on a press to get it to break free!

View: https://youtu.be/3_7PdFzvb88

 

[t-tony]

Only way I had to get shafts out when I was at work mate, no other toys. I have seen people bend those Ford front hubs trying to press the driveshaft out.

Tony.

 

[mrscalex]

Yep, I think you may be right @t-tony just seen one on Amazon for £400, probably be cheaper if the garage just does it I was tempted to try an air hammer on it but if the shaft still doesnt budge I could end up with a potentially ruined drive shaft end and no way of getting the car back together.

This video was interesting, not a BMW but a focus where the shaft is completely seized and not even an air chisel could break it free. Had to apply 1 ton of pressure on a press to get it to break free!

View: https://youtu.be/3_7PdFzvb88

A 10 ton hydraulic puller can be picked up for £30-50. No experience if they are as good as £400 ones though.

 

[Lee]

A 10 ton hydraulic puller can be picked up for £30-50. No experience if they are as good as £400 ones though.

That’s what this is. £40 from eBay.

 

[t-tony]

Anything less than £100 would not be a good investment in my honest opinion. It may do the job once or twice before expiring, I would look at spending circa £150 for one that would last. A quick look on eBay found this the least expensive one.

HYDRAULIC HUB PULLER by NEILSEN TOOLS 10 Tonne Pull 4 & 5 stud universal fitting | eBay

Manufacturer - Neilsen. 10 Tonne pull power hydraulic ram. Hydraulic Hub Puller. Heat treated S45C steel puller yoke. For 4 & 5 stud patterns. Universal fitting. Dispatch will normally be within 24 hours of funds clearing.

www.ebay.co.uk

Very limited use due to only one attachment.

Tony.

 

[Faheem]

@mrscalex Interesting - this is the one I saw on Amazon but having checked again can see the cheaper ones on eBay.

 

[Lee]

The build quality in this unit is good. I’m surprised it’s this good considering it’s price. We’ve had 3 uses out of it already with no problems, the threads are holding up well.

 

[mrscalex]

The build quality in this unit is good. I’m surprised it’s this good considering it’s price. We’ve had 3 uses out of it already with no problems, the threads are holding up well.

I think my view would be even if it busted after 3 uses it would have done a job. Most people would never need it more often than that. Hopefully yours will get many more uses.

 

[Lee]

True. I would expect the threads to stretch or handle to snap. My guess is the metal is a poor quality. I’m using it with that in mind. That’s why you can see I’ve packed the threads with grease.

 

[Althulas]

I borrowed one of those of my farmer mate and would not shift mine but was good quality kit. Ended up taking the arms to my Indy and being pressed out after some heat on the bearing.