I can seem to get the axle out of the rotor. the nut came of ok, but when I try to tap the axle out its not moving....any suggestions?

 

IF I can get it out, and the decide to replace the whole axle, do I need to drain the trans

 

Two things:

1) You don't have to drain the transmission but it will drain itself once you remove the half-shaft from the transmission. So it's best to drain it before taking out the shaft.

2) There is nothing but the axle nut holding the wheel bearing onto the end of the axle shaft. So it's probably just rusted. The problem is when you pound on it the whole assembly gives a bit. Try resting a sledge hammer on the end of the shaft and tap it from behind with a dead-blow hammer. That should break it loose.

 

Did you disconnect the ball joints? The hub assembly needs to be able to move just enough that the axle will pop out of the way. And some people say that you will loose a bit of tranny oil so if you do I'm guessing that you will need to add more right? If it was me I would just put fresh oil it's easy.

 

Try JWH method first when I did mine I had to take the ball joints anyways to do other work

 

I guess I assumed the ball joints were removed before unbolting the axle. But I don't believe you can get the bearing past the end of the axle without removing the joints.

By the way, you really will need a ball joint removal tool. These things are incredibly tight!

 

thanks for the help! i did disconnect the ball joint and the lower control arm, then once i had some friends and a sledgehammer all went well!

i had blown the boot out after my first attempt at a autocross, alot of fun, but when i was done, i had 7 codes, a quart low on oil, and a blown boot. i am fortunate to say that after i replaced a crankshaft sensor o-ring, a purge valve, and a cv boot, i am code free and running great.

i couldn't have done it, or have spent alot more money, had it not been for this forum. it truly makes owning an older mini possible.

now on to the radiator fan and power steering fan not working! easy peasy.