How remove rear half axle bolts?

[homepagz]

Any tricks on how to remove the rear half axle bolts on a '95 E300D?

I have the special multi-point tool (10mm) but they are so tight I'm unable to get them out. The shaft is broken so I'm having a hard time keeping the axle from moving while taking the bolts off.

Any tricks/ideas?

-John

[sixto]

Try with the wheel on a ramp and the rest of the wheels chocked. Try some penetrant also.

Sixto
87 300D

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

Originally Posted by homepagz

Any tricks on how to remove the rear half axle bolts on a '95 E300D?

I have the special multi-point tool (10mm) but they are so tight I'm unable to get them out. The shaft is broken so I'm having a hard time keeping the axle from moving while taking the bolts off.

Any tricks/ideas?

-John

I've done this so many times the mere mention of it makes my knuckles start bleeding. Just kidding, get the rear end as high as you can, enough to USE the breaker bar not just enough to look at it. Spray with good penetrating fluid. Make sure that you take a pick and REALLY clean out the multi-point bolt hole, your strategically placed / wedged wrench on the nut should keep it from turning while you break it free. Obviously, pulling down on the breaker bar is easier. For the really hard ones I have used a small sledge and very long brass punch to bang on the offending bolt head. Try to keep line of impact straight. A pneumatic hammer with a brass head might work if you don't mess up the 12 point bolt head but I've never used one. Long 1/2 inch breaker bar to get them loose then whatever you want. If you don't keep the 12 point straight you will strip it and then there is only plan B.
There are different quality 12 points. I use Hazet or Snap-on because other brands twist or strip easily.
Good luck

[vstech]

SUPER easy with impact wrench... my 18v Milwaukee driver works GREAT.

[TnBob]

Kroil is about the best penetrating oil out there.

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

Originally Posted by TnBob

Kroil is about the best penetrating oil out there.

I've heard that before from a few professionals but never see it on the shelves out here. Guess I'll check online.

[homepagz]

You mentioned "plan B" - would that be cutting the head off?

-John

[rdon1]

Originally Posted by homepagz

Any tricks on how to remove the rear half axle bolts on a '95 E300D?

I have the special multi-point tool (10mm) but they are so tight I'm unable to get them out. The shaft is broken so I'm having a hard time keeping the axle from moving while taking the bolts off.

Any tricks/ideas?

-John

OP's problem here is that the half shaft is broken, so he has no way to keep the differential from turning while he tries to loosen the bolts. Car in Park or parking brake applied will not help him in this situation.

As Vstech stated, an impact gun is going to be your best solution since it will require much less effort to stop the halfshaft from turning. If you don't have an impact driver, you might be able to use a plumbers pipe wrench or a large pair of vise grips to hold the broken half shaft while you loosen the bolts.

It's critical that the bolt heads are completely clean and the driver bit is fully seated. Take a few minutes with brake cleaner and an ice pick to get them nice and clean.

[vstech]

no, that's plan c...
plan b is to use the external ezout socket hammered onto the bolt head.

[vstech]

you will need the snapon or Mac version though, as the hex sides of the irwin set will not fit on the axle bolts

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

This job is not that difficult if you take the precautions members have listed here so don't worry. Vstech's post is tempting me to buy an 18 volt Milwaukee driver lol. I would like this job to be Super easy and if they all come out then it is. Next time there is a stubborn one I'll try my new Milwaukee! Christmas is coming.
I'm just paranoid of stripping the 12 point with a pneumatic tool cause I hate going to plan B, C or D etc...only because I've had to in the past but maybe an impact is the way to go. Personally, I've found it so beneficial to give the bolts a good straight wack that iff I feel the torque getting near the danger zone I'll just do it as a matter of course. If I find that the Milwaukee works as well or better It will save a lot of time!
And buying a new tool for a job is kinda my religion.

[homepagz]

Ok - bought myself an impact wrench. Will give it a go in a few days.

[homepagz]

God bless impact wrenches. The impact wrench helped I think - but it still required a breaking bar to really torque them off. Once I had them off - I believe I saw loctite (blue) on the threads. They came off with a loud "snap" which I first thought was something breaking.

Anyway - got the shaft off.

-John

[Whiskey Tango Foxtrot]

Originally Posted by homepagz

God bless impact wrenches. The impact wrench helped I think - but it still required a breaking bar to really torque them off. Once I had them off - I believe I saw loctite (blue) on the threads. They came off with a loud "snap" which I first thought was something breaking.

Anyway - got the shaft off.

-John

Excellent! Hardest part is over. Did you try the impact driver first? Did it loosen any of them on it's own? That's what I'd like to know. How did you keep the shaft from turning?

[sixto]

You might be able to wedge the tip of a pry bar between a bolt head and the case of the CV joint while you loosen another bolt.

Sixto
87 300D