Separate half shafts from trailing arms

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 4:51 pm

I've dropped the whole back axel out of the car in one peice. Probably shouldn't have done it this way, but ho-hum I have now.

Managed to remove the diff, put 2 wheel bolts in the hubs and placed a breaker bar between them to lock off the hubs allowing me to under the star bolts on the diff cups.

But I need to get the big nut undone on the hub now. I can use the same method to lock the hubs from spinning but I gather I need to remove the lock plate from behind the nut.

It's not obvious how I do this as I've not seen this type of locking washer before, usually just a bent up tab. Is this the same thing just a bit more fancy. Do I just hammer it flat? and replace it when refitting or is there a more refined way to do this?

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:02 pm

You just undo them. Not really sure how it acts as a locking washer personally. I think they just isolate the nut from any difference in the movement of the shaft/hub.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:11 pm

hmmm... In that case I think I need a new socket. I can't get the socket to fit on the nut with a good grip the washer thing behind seems to have little notches on it that hold the nut and as a result the sides of the nut are very shallow.

Over on the Facebook page, I was told I need to 'remove' the locking washer but i don't see how when it's behind the nut. so thought I'd post on here for some more in-depth knowledge.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:15 pm

there is a locking washer thing, you just hit it with your favorite screw driver and it will break and then pull it out with long nose pliers. then the fun begins, i locked the hub with a small extension threw the hub and into the handbrake slot then try to crack the nut off. (make sure you spray plenty of WD or similar) i completely destroyed the threads on one of my shafts getting it out of the hub so i now own a 20 ton press

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:19 pm

you can see it here on realoem.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=33&fg=40

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:20 pm

Well thankfully it's off the breaker, the plan is to strip and refurb ready to swap over to the keeper. The bonus being I can take my time, I get a trial run and if I cock it up I have more parts available.

I'm always a bit reluctant to go smashing things till I've had approval that's how it's done. So thanks blazed, if it all goes wrong now it'll be your fault

I'll let you know how I get on. If I sweet talk the wife I might be allowed some Garage time this evening. After all it's her car I'm doing it for!

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:21 pm

Just to confirm! here,

Very shallow nut!

I've got an air impact wrench but not an impact socket big enough. Worse case I'll buy one.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:32 pm

if you can't get the socket to seat properly you must still have the locking washer on, i could not tell mine was there but knew it had to be, one good tap with the screwdriver up against the nut or in one of the groves on the inner part of the hub and the washer started to go. i think you can just about see it in your pic. p.s. It doesn't actually sit behind the nut, it is hammered on with a socket after the hub nut is tightened to lock it in place.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:40 pm

good info, thanks. Yes it's still there. I'll get smashing later!

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 6:11 pm

blazed wrote:p.s. It doesn't actually sit behind the nut, it is hammered on with a socket after the hub nut is tightened to lock it in place.

This.

Post Mon Feb 02, 2015 10:42 pm

Well it's not happening tonight, had a breakdown on the motorway and didn't get in till 9:00

Post Tue Feb 03, 2015 12:59 pm

Right well that explains it then, Every one I must have had off has either been ruined before I got there or I have killed it with a breaker bar undoing the nut.

I have a pack of 26 brand new tabs and have yet to fit one, should make more sense when dealing with one in spec rather than a 25 year old molested part.