2008 S model with an automatic. Working on taking the trans out, but the axle is stuck in the hub and the trans. Reading the Bentley manual and no help. (Unless I missed it)
Any ideas? I have already killed one harbor freight 3 jaw puller! Contemplating dropping the sub-frame to get better access? Drop the trans with axle and struts intact?
Need Help. I am stuck

 

I assume you used the puller on the hub end? In that case you need a larger puller. Are you near a tool rental store? Home Depot? Leave the axle nut in place. but loose, to protect the threads from the puller.


The trans end of the axle requires a pretty robust pry bar as the internal snap ring is rather sporty to compress, plus it is hard get good mechanical advantage.


Worst case, on the trans end you can pull the axle out of the cup (remove the boot to do this) just be very careful to bag both cup and spider....

 

Very important that the axle is pulled STRAIGHT out from the trans --- not at an angle of any kind! If using a pry bar, use two, spaced equally and opposite each other, to ensure force is always "normal" to the the trans.

 

Ordered a real axle puller. Found a propane torch. If this fails, take out trans with axle in place and work it after. Just never had one stuck like this.
Man, this is California. Nothing rusts together like this!

Thanks for the info, Gentleman

 

The diffuse flame of a propane torch is not like to do much for you, other than ruin the hub seal and melt the grease. A better solution, that I should have suggested earlier, is soak the splines in as much penetrating oil as you can for a couple of days prior to trying the monster puller.


What ever you do, avoid beating the axle with a large hammer....the threads usually deform readily!