How do you remove that half-shaft?, Driver's side axle removal on the quick Options

[qatar11]

What is everyone's favorite way to quickly remove the driver's side halfshaft? Specifically, what tool and what process? I am always struggling with it and the last engine/trans removal we just left the damn thing still attached to the trans... <sigh>

[enderswift]

I always rent a slide hammer from advance auto. It comes with a hook attachment that I place on the fins of the transmission-side cv joint. A few strikes and the axle comes out no problem.

This post has been edited by enderswift: Oct 23, 2013 - 7:56 AM

[Smaay]

i have someone hold the axle straight and rotate it while i wedge a prybar in and push on it. it eventually finds the sweet spot and pops right out.

[qatar11]

I always rent a slide hammer from advance auto. It comes with a hook attachment that I place on the fins of the transmission-side cv joint. A few strikes and the axle comes out no problem.

like this?
Slide Hammer Set

This post has been edited by qatar11: Oct 23, 2013 - 8:34 AM

[enderswift]

I always rent a slide hammer from advance auto. It comes with a hook attachment that I place on the fins of the transmission-side cv joint. A few strikes and the axle comes out no problem.

like this?
Slide Hammer Set

Yup. Just place the hook on one of the 'fins' and give it a few hits.

[bsamps4]

I have a completely different trick that only works if the stupid snap ring isn't completely seized inside of the transmission. Works great on my car.

I just grab the outter end of the shaft and put it towards the transmission, and then pull back towards me real fast. sort of all in one motion...kind of like poking someone with a broom handle if that makes sense. Either way it pops the snap ring right on out.

[Malek]

I always rent a slide hammer from advance auto. It comes with a hook attachment that I place on the fins of the transmission-side cv joint. A few strikes and the axle comes out no problem.

like this?
Slide Hammer Set

Yup. Just place the hook on one of the 'fins' and give it a few hits.

That's how I've always done it. Works great!

[SwissFerdi]

I just grab the outter end of the shaft and put it towards the transmission, and then pull back towards me real fast. sort of all in one motion...kind of like poking someone with a broom handle if that makes sense. Either way it pops the snap ring right on out.

Interesting method.

With a stubborn aftermarket DS axle, I tied a rope to the end close to the transmission side. The other was on a ratchet mechanism so progressively I could tighten the rope. With enough steady pulling force and a few taps with a pry bar, it came out. I had to do this because the tulip didn't have indentations for the pry bar.