23 replies to this topic

[OJM]

This has probably been asked many a time, but I can't find any topics with hints / tips.

I need to change the ball joints on each front wheel, but falling at the first hurdle - can't get the bloody driveshaft / hub nut off. I've obviously removed the split pin, but with someone on the brake whilst I try sharp movements etc to try and loosen it, it just doesn't budge. Tried heating the nut up and cooling quickly, but with no luck (worked before on other PITA nuts and bolts), also tried heating the threaded part, but nothing.

Anyone got any tips?

Only thought is to take it to my local garage on Monday, and hope their air gun can loosen it - I assume this will spin quicker than the hub, so snap it undone.

Any help would be great. Cheers!

[ad53ggz]

This has probably been asked many a time, but I can't find any topics with hints / tips.

I need to change the ball joints on each front wheel, but falling at the first hurdle - can't get the bloody driveshaft / hub nut off. I've obviously removed the split pin, but with someone on the brake whilst I try sharp movements etc to try and loosen it, it just doesn't budge. Tried heating the nut up and cooling quickly, but with no luck (worked before on other PITA nuts and bolts), also tried heating the threaded part, but nothing.

Anyone got any tips?

Only thought is to take it to my local garage on Monday, and hope their air gun can loosen it - I assume this will spin quicker than the hub, so snap it undone.

Any help would be great. Cheers!

huge breaker bar

[OJM]

Tried it - even with someone on the brakes, it's that tight that the pads don't hold the discs 100%. Any way of tightening up the grip that the calipers have?

[Pauly]

You need to apply pressure then a sharp snatch to loosen.

Paul.

[Jordie]

Why are you undoing the hub nut to replace ball joints?

Balljoints can be done in situ on the car without need to remove the hub nut.

[ad53ggz]

Tried it - even with someone on the brakes, it's that tight that the pads don't hold the discs 100%. Any way of tightening up the grip that the calipers have?

i did it with wheel and hub off carhave you still got the wheel on?if not bang on the wheel lower the car down so on all of its wheels handbrake on brake on then take centre cap off wheel to get to nut and apply breaker bar think i used a metre and apply lots of pressure if still can get apply pressure and hit it as suggested before.

but as said sorry i didnt read your post why the need to remove the outer cv joint?

[L400RAS]

Put a spare - STEEL wheel on, this allows you uto have the car on the ground, and get hte socket and breaker bar on. Thus you are not relying on the brakes to hold the wheel, you have the weight of the car.
Alloys are no good as they are too deep dish and dont allow the socket / bar at the right angle of attack.
Ryan.

[gumball]

Use an INPACT GUN.....

[blacktulip]

use another pole on the breaker to get more leverage.

[OJM]

Thanks for the tips - didn't think about leaving the wheels on - unfortunately I've only got alloys, but will see if it gives enough room.

Another way I thought might do it (similar to an impact gun), is to try and use a drill with the socket attached, to try and snatch it undone. Not sure if it'll work though.

Didn't realise you could change the balljoints without taking the hub off - I assume it's a bit of a PITA the replace in situ though, but if it's possible, I might just give it a go...

[ad53ggz]

Another way I thought might do it (similar to an impact gun), is to try and use a drill with the socket attached, to try and snatch it undone. Not sure if it'll work though.

prob not enough torque on the drill, em you have a spare wheel is that steel or you just have alloys?

[maddogmcg]

Dont bother with the drill you will probably break your wrist ! no where enough torque ,the air guns used in garages work like an impact driver (hammer action ) , its jumping up and down on a piece of scaffold tube slipped over the handle of the wrench that will budge the nut
i have found it best to have a block of wood jammed between the end of the wrench and the ground ,this can prevent the socket twisting and rounding off the hub nut as you jump on the other end

[minifan08]

i had one like this i used alot of heat and a lump hammer and a bolster chisel in turret of the castle nut it took a while but it worked the only downside to this is you may need a new castle nut.
hope this helps.
chris.

[mk1leg]

Hi..make yourself one of these...........



......you only need one person................

[OJM]

Tried everything you can think of, but still no luck - breaker bar, sledge hammer, wheel on the ground, heated it up, cooled it down. Nearly bought an electric impact wrench, but they had sold out. Last resort is asking a local garage to break the seal with an air impact wrench for me.

Thanks for all the suggestions!