Re: Axel Shaft Pulling Exercises...

[Mark Eissler <tequila@interlog.com>]

>Michael Spiers, mikes@specnet.com wrote:
>
>Whelp, this weekend is bringing about the event of the reconstruction of the
>front end of the TQ.  Now I need to figure out how to get everything apart.
> Mr. Bentley says you need to use a "VW Tool xxxx" to get the axel shaft out.
> Well, I don't own "VW Tool xxxx" nor do I have any intention of buying 
>it, so
>how do I get the axel shaft out?  There's gotta be a shortcut, anyone know 
>it?
> I've got a harmonic balancer puller for a Chebby V8, any way of mutating 
>that

Sorry, to have to break it to you, but... You will need a couple of 
"special" tools to do this. First, you'll probably need an 8mm Tri-Square 
socket in order to remove the inner CV from the gearbox drive flange 
where it's connected with 6 or 8 12-point bolts. These are not TORX and 
they are not HEX. I paid $16 CDN for this socket at NAPA but you might be 
able to find it at a well-stocked tool store (Home Depot does not carry 
these sockets, at least not in Canada). 

The other tool you will most likely need is a 17mm allen key in order to 
drain the gearbox and refill it when you're done. Again, I got mine at 
NAPA for about $10 CDN. Apparently, Sears (in the U.S.) carries this as 
well. 

Of course, if you're not pulling the driveshaft out at the gearbox end, 
then you won't need either of the above tools. 

You will, however, need a suitable tool (a 1/2" ratchet with a lifetime 
warranty ;-} and a breaker bar) to remove the axle nut which is tightened 
to 170ft/lb and coated with thread locker. Actually popping the splined 
end of the axle shaft from the hub can probably be accomplished with a 
harmonic puller if a gear/bearing puller is not available, but a lot of 
the time you can just pull them out (on other cars, that is). 



Mark Eissler          | Still working on
tequila@interlog.com  | a better sig.