passenger axle stuck in diff

[downforce22]

I was pulling the passenger strut to fix a wheel bearing. Decided to pull the strut and the axle shaft split in half. I have the outer half in my hand while the inner half is still engaged in the front diff and through the oil pan.

I've usually tugged on the axle to break it loose and it slides out easily. But now I can't use that method to pull it out.

How do I pull this other half out??

it looks like this, but only on the passenger side

[The Dark Side of Will]

Prybar? I think it pops right out if you pull on it hard enough.

[downforce22]

I just don't want to break the aluminum bracket on the pan you know

[The Dark Side of Will]

Need to pry between the CV joint cup and the iron bearing retaining ring on the side of the diff. The oil pan doesn't have anything to do with it.

(and you won't break the pan)

[nando]

prybar

you aren't going to break the diff off the pan with hand tools. not unless you're the incredible hulk..

[downforce22]

prybar

you aren't going to break the diff off the pan with hand tools. not unless you're the incredible hulk..

well its on the other side, which is the bracket that bolts to the pan. I could see it snapping a chunk out of it. I'll give it a try

[95BMWIC]

Don't do anything.

You do not need to pull that out unless you are replacing a seal on the front diff or something.

I am doing front wheel bearing on the passenger side of my 325ix right now - and I pulled out only the section you did.

When you get ready to put the shaft back in use a needle nose vice grips to hold one side of the ring and a screw driver to pry the other side - then push the shaft in with the other hand (after new boot and grease of course)

Let me know if you need pics - I took a couple of the process..