Removing the rear axels

[Digitalwave]

Well, I have the diff out already so all I have to do is get the big bolt on the hub off, does anybody know what size socket I will need for it? Seems like around 25-26mm. Also looks like it will be a bitch and a half to get off... what should I expect?

[e30evolution]

you will have a difficult time without an impact gun.... not sure on the size tho

[randywalters]

The rear axle nut takes a 30mm socket. Driving the axles out of the hub is hard enough, but getting them back in later is a mo-fo. They're a tight fit in the splined hub.

[M-technik-3]

Should have left the diff in that way you could have locked the axles in place to a degree.

[Beej '86 325es]

What threw me off the first time was the lock plates on the outside. Mine were pretty corroded, so it just looked like they were part of the hub. Taking those out makes it much easier. ;) Get some new lock plates to put in from the dealer.

[Digitalwave]

This is on the parts car, they don't have to be reinstalled. What's the lock plate?

[nando]

it holds the 30mm nut in place. you can pry it out with a flat screwdriver. to break the nuts free, it's easiest to have the car on the ground. you'll probably need a good sized breaker bar with a couple feet of steel pipe to pop them loose, they're torqued to something like 200ft-lbs

[Digitalwave]

144 :)

[rs4pro3]

To hold the shaft from spining, take a wheel lug and slip it threw a link in a piece of chain, thread the lug into the hub, now take the other end of the chain and attach it threw the trailing arm mounts, or use a bolt and hook it to the brake caliper mounting points. Now the shaft will stay put when you break the bolt free. I had to use my impact wrench to get them free. But I'm a lightweight guy so I don't have much leverage as it is.

[nando]

ah.. the front ones on the ix are 220. breaking those loose was not fun!

[jflower]

To hold the shaft from spining, take a wheel lug and slip it threw a link in a piece of chain, thread the lug into the hub, now take the other end of the chain and attach it threw the trailing arm mounts, or use a bolt and hook it to the brake caliper mounting points. Now the shaft will stay put when you break the bolt free. I had to use my impact wrench to get them free. But I'm a lightweight guy so I don't have much leverage as it is.

ely that's a really great idea. damn. now, how to do that on a set of rear trailng arms that are off the car?

[Beej '86 325es]

To hold the shaft from spining, take a wheel lug and slip it threw a link in a piece of chain, thread the lug into the hub, now take the other end of the chain and attach it threw the trailing arm mounts, or use a bolt and hook it to the brake caliper mounting points. Now the shaft will stay put when you break the bolt free. I had to use my impact wrench to get them free. But I'm a lightweight guy so I don't have much leverage as it is.

ely that's a really great idea. damn. now, how to do that on a set of rear trailng arms that are off the car?

I can't remember if it stays clear of the hub or not, but when I'm putting on my spacers (use separate set o low profile bolts), I put on 2 lugs and stick the bar from my floor jack in there against the ground.

[rs4pro3]

It works fine with the arms out of the car, I did that one three different trailing arms I had laying in the garage.