Any ideas about how to remove this axle-nut?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by priuslyfe, Oct 19, 2024.

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  1. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    I have very specific problem in finding some kind of chisel that will fit underneath this axle-nut crimp. I have broken two regular screwdriver heads already but the area is very narrow and small so I can't figure out what else might be able to get in there.

    also in the back to remove the bearing assembly there isn't enough room for a socket head as the 14mm nut is too close to the axle. Any ideas about how to get this off as well?

    If I can't remove this by Sunday night then I'm just going to have to take it to the shop and have the bearing replaced. Always the same story when working on cars, one thing keeps you from finishing the job yourself.

    Thanks....thoughts appreciated.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]


    14mm nut in back of bearing

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    My DeWalt flex V large 1/2 drive gun blows those right off . And I reuse them and I'm not using a weighted socket either and they look just about like this picture here Lefty loosey.
     
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  3. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Schley Tools – 65420 Toyota and Lexus Axle Nut Removal Tool

    Count me out from just using an impact wrench to grind the still-staked nut out over the axle threads.

    It might feel excessive to have the unstaking tool for a job you might only expect to do a few times. On the other hand, once you have it around, you can run into a lot of jobs around the house where you're thinking "if only I had a thing shaped like ... oh, wait, I do ...".
     
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Chisels are way tougher than screwdrivers. Just sayin'.
     
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  5. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    Thanks for replies but I need something very easily accessible and soon. I can't drive the car because I was aware that I had a bad bearing as I could hear the grinding noise...well yesterday it went from bad to worse. I was driving approximately 40mph and all the sudden my car started shaking like the front axle was coming loose. I raised the car and sure enough, the bearing was extremely wobbly on the driver's side front wheel.

    I basically need this fixed in the easiest manner. If I can get that axle-nut off and hub-assembly I might have a spare bearing i can use. However, if I can't get it done tomorrow, it doesn't make sense to not take it to a shop with professional tools.

    What can I buy tomorrow at local hardware stores or auto stores that might have the correct sized chisel? I looked today and many don't have the small size necessary for Toyota prius'.
     
  6. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    do you think if I can use a power-drill I can force it off? is it worth buying penetrating oil and putting it on first or do you think it could be done?
     
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Power drill no You're better off setting the car back down with the center cap off of the wheel and the wheel bolted on the car set it on the ground the wheel and use a long breaker bar and they have to stand on it Lefty loosey once you break it then it goes around one or two turns you'll be golden If you really think that divot is holding you up you need a funny shaped chisel punch they'll have it at most of the parts stores and you can smack it in there and it will lift up that little divot in the flange there or in the top flange whatever that part is called If you're doing this all by hand it may make it turn loose initially easier with that knocked up that's true when you're using an electric or an air gun it just blasts it right off it's just the way of the world so a breaker bar with the wheel on center cap off wheel sitting on the ground you standing on the breaker bar done it many times I have a 3-ft Cornwell half inch drive breaker bar and the pipe to put on it that takes that to 6 feet of leverage
     
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  8. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    thanks.

    I feel like doing it right now but its dark out. I should have taken it off when it was on the ground but youtube made it look much easier than it is.
     
  9. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    @Tombukt2

    Is there a chisel that will CUT through the axle-nut? A replacement nut in only $7 and that might be easier than trying to salvage this one. Or does that seem like it would need much more force than possible without maybe a sledgehammer?
     
  10. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    I take a tapered punch that has a tip the same width as the slot in the axle. Then grind the tip at a 45 angle. (Bench grinder or angle grinder)

    The angled face fits flat against the slot and hit the drift with a hammer. The round side forces the staked part out.

    Then use your (30mm 12 point?) socket to remove the nut. 1/2 inch breaker bar with a cheater pipe - hold the brake pedal down to keep the rotor stopped. Or put a strong screwdriver in the brake rotor vent to block it against the caliper bracket.



    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
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  11. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    I have a set of tools for this, but previously, I have also used a dremel tool with a cutting wheel to just grind the stake out. I always install new nuts, but it's likely the nut will be at a different spot when torqued with the new hub.

    Or just throw a torch on the stake to make it red and it will bend up pretty easy with the screwdriver.
     
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  12. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You don't need to cut through the nut the little chisel you will run that right in the direction of the divot where it's beaten down You just smack the chisel with your hammer a couple of times and it will lift up that little indention and then you will use your impact or your breaker bar and off it comes with my 3/4 or half inch drive DeWalt gun it just flies right off so I never use the chisel and lift up the indention It doesn't seem to be needed anyway I have four of these cars and I've done all the front hubs and no problem so far either with the hex nut of the 12 point or whatever this thing is next thing for me is to get a couple weighted sockets.
     
  13. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Active Member

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    overthinking the whole process, just get an impact and loosen it. I have dealt with CV axle nuts not even bother to straighten the punch.

    you haven't reached the most difficult part of the job yet and that's removing the hub. Invest in proper tools, without it you're just making things more difficult.
     
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  14. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    You are correct! I am getting hung up on whatever youtube videos I've watched and losing sight of the goal...to get the bearing off.

    that what I am going to do first. try to force it loose. I think I moved it up enough to maybe slide over threads if I use enough force.

    ANY ADVICE ABOUT THE 14mm in the back I can't get a socket over (not enough space)? maybe I'll just cross that bridge when I come to it though.
     
    #14 priuslyfe, Oct 19, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2024
  15. Aegean

    Aegean Active Member

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    You need this expensive tool for $25 if you want save time.



    Schley Products 65400 Toyota / Lexus 30mm Front Axle Lock Nut Remover Kit
     
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  16. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    posting this for either 1) genius idea or 2) laughs...if I need to do it I'll update.

     
  17. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    Search for “axle nut unstaking tool”, say on Amazon, or check with local automotive speciality stores; they should have them.

    A center punch might work in a pinch, depending on the taper.
     
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  18. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    Been a couple years, but pretty sure you just remove the speed sensor, pop the dust cover loose at the back of the knuckle and you'll have room for the socket just by sliding the dust cover back a bit.
     
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  19. priuslyfe

    priuslyfe Member

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    thanks. I haven't taken off the speed sensor or dust cover. I thought that wasn't necessary.
     
  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    IMG_5820.jpeg Some Roberston screwdrivers (square-tip) have a tapered tip; something else that might work in a pinch.
     
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