cootees

Broke a rear axle shaft right at the hub. I can't find any info on how to go about getting the rest of the shaft out while it is still locked in the diff.

Any suggestions?

justin_4runner

weld a bolt on the end of it and get a slide hammer and that should get it out, if no welder then u might be able to open the diff and see if u can get something in there to pry it out.

cootees

welder thats a good idea. Thanks. I'll give that a go.

MudHippy

The rear axleshafts aren't "locked in the diff". There's nothing holding them in except the wheel bearings, bearing retainers, and snap rings. Follow the procedure for removing the rear axleshaft and wheel bearing, the remainder of the axleshaft will slide right out still connected to it and the brake backing plate assembly. Piece o' cake!

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...33rearaxle.pdf

BTW, you can't "open the diff" without removing both axleshafts first either.

What would you people do without me?

cootees

I got it out. The problem was that the shaft was far enough in the axle tube that prevented me from possibly get a grip on it to pull it out.

MudHippy

Oh, so it broke behind the bearing. I was assuming it broke right behind the hub in front of the bearing. Though that would be ALOT less likely, due to it being thicker there.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

I think we need pictures of this carnage. How did you get it out?

Kaptain

They typically break behind the bearing.

To the OP - what were you doing when it snapped? The stock shafts are very stout and they take a lot of abuse.

cootees

it slid right out with ease once I could get a hold of it.

Thats the kicker. I have 37's but I was just cruising down the street doing about 50mph. Haven't even ever wheeled it with the 37's.

skronzor

Nice. You should post a picture. If you Can
Thanks

xxxtreme22r

hmmm broke a rear shaft on 37's before you broke a Birf? I don't believe it without

Kaptain

Interesting... Did you ever put new rear bearings in it? Did you use a torch to take off the old bearing and sleeve?

I suspect the extreme heat weakens the shaft and causes it to break in that spot.

MudHippy

Yeah, that's what I meant by that. But that's not exactly what he said happened.
Of course if it had snapped "right at the hub", that would've meant the wheel came of while he was driving 50 MPH. And he probably would have mentioned that fact.