Center hub bolt won't loosen
 

sorry for posting this again but the original got deleted somehow. i'm trying to remove the center hub bolt w/washer (just inside the cap) on my 94 4x4 pu, but when i turn it either way with the wrench, it just rotates the axle. i tried holding the axle still but then i couldn't turn the bolt at all. i'm not the hulk but not a wuss either. a couple people already commented saying to use an impact wrench but i don't have one or a compressor. plus somethin just seems wrong anyways, cuz i feel like i shouldn't have to use this much force. anybody else run into this problem. should it be engaging the axle? am i clear enough on which bolt it is?

Could try putting it into 4WD, if you have the ADD front end, then you may need the engine running to get the vacuum to lock the actuator in the front axle.

I usually just put a wrench on it and give the handle a rap with a rubber hammer.

Have a friend apply the brakes and use a breaker bar. The bolt could simply be a little rusty and seized in the shaft so hitting it with some Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster is a good idea. Tapping the bolt head with a hammer then using the breaker bar may help it break free.

Good luck.

Listen to 4Crawler, if it doesn't loosten easily then there is something more going on...

not sure what the ADD front end is or if i have it, but the whole drive line is engaged when i turn it. i've got it on two jack stands with the entire front end lifted (wheel and caliper off) and when i hold the front drive shaft and turn the bolt with extreme force the other wheel rotates. so i don't think i have the ADD front end. does this even sound normal. should this bolt be this hard to loosen? I've broken bolts before by using too much force so i wanna make sure this bolt is supposed to be loosening as is.

ADD explained:
- http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/add

If you put it in 4WD, the front drive shaft will be coupled to the rear drive shaft and assuming the rear wheels are on the ground and/or the e-brake is on, then that should hold all those parts from moving.

ok, i combined 4crawler and Rustbucket's ideas and put it in 4wd ( though the axle shafts and drive shaft were still able to rotate), put the wrench on it and gave it a good whack with my hand and PRESTO! thanks for all the help guys! whataya know, all i had to do was whack it!

vice grips on the cv shaft will sop it from turning.

ummmm that boly should NOT be rusty, considering it's surrounded by wheel bearing grease :roll: if it IS, then you're got more issues than just that bolt...



but, the brakes idea is the best way to stop the axle from spinning and brake it free


you can put it in 4wd, but don't forget to lock in the other side, or it will still just spin because of the differential action :P


but it really shouldn't be THAT hard to get off. it's one of those things where it's GOT to come off of there, even if it does brake the bolt... if it does, then you get to do some drilling... but given a little pressure, it should come right loose




oh, and lefty-loosy, righty-tighty :great:




:cheers: