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Axle Nut Hell!

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    Axle Nut Hell!

    Hey guys,

    I’m trying to do a front wheel bearing on my 87 325. The axle nut is horrible 3 ft breaker bar with 3 ft pipe won’t loosen it up. So I’ve wanted an air compressor upgrade so I grabbed a harbor freight 21 gallon and their earthquake impact (rated at 950ftlbs). The nut wont budge! Is there an issue with the impact gun or are these nuts really this difficult?!

    Anyways any ideas are much appreciated! If I can’t figure it out, I might end up cutting the nut off. I just figured the gun would strip it long before it gave up.

    Thanks
    Tommy

    #2
    Did you mangle the bent over tang out of the keyway in the axle?

    Spec on the fronts is pretty high IIRC, maybe 200ft/lb, so it'll be on there nicely.

    Personally, since I've had a decent electric impact I haven't encountered any fasteners that I cannot remove. So, if you are at that stage I suggest soaking it in penetrant over night, trying 10 or so small blips of the gun the next day, and failing that I'd move to heat before resorting to cutting.

    Also, depending on the line/line pressure settings you are using you might not get full power on your impact. Also, oil your air tools if you haven't already.

    Comment


      #3
      Thanks for the response. Yea I’ve bent the tab and oiled the tools. I might need to consider a line upgrade but the regulator is at max psi.

      Comment


        #4
        Lefty loosey righty tighty?
        sigpic

        1999 528it - Daily Driver “Dad Wagon”
        1991 325is - 2.8L Budget Stroker Garage Slut
        1991 318is - Sold
        1986 325 - Sold

        Instagram - Lamoursum

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          #5
          Originally posted by ButtJuice View Post
          Lefty loosey righty tighty?
          Can't make this mistake with an air gun even if it is HF quality.

          Comment


            #6
            I would suggest trying to borrow the big Dewalt or Milwaukee battery impacts.

            Air tools suck. Cheap air tools suck even more.
            2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
            2002 BMW M3 Alpinweiß/Black
            1999 323i GTS2 Alpinweiß
            1995 M3 Dakargelb/Black
            - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
            1990 325is Brilliantrot/Tan
            1989 M3 Alpinweiß/Black

            Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Black/Black
            Hers: 1988 325iX Coupe Diamantschwartz/Black 5spd

            sigpic

            Comment


              #7
              I'd love to try my high torque M18 Fuel 1/2" pin detent on it......
              ACS S3 Build / Dinan 5 E34

              Comment


                #8
                Don’t forget that HF ratings for tools are frequently optimistic. By some multiple.

                (And to be clear, I have nothing against HF. I’ve actually got a couple of the 72” toolboxes in my garage.)
                2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
                2002 BMW M3 Alpinweiß/Black
                1999 323i GTS2 Alpinweiß
                1995 M3 Dakargelb/Black
                - S50B32/S6S420G/3.91
                1990 325is Brilliantrot/Tan
                1989 M3 Alpinweiß/Black

                Hers: 1996 Porsche 911 Turbo Black/Black
                Hers: 1988 325iX Coupe Diamantschwartz/Black 5spd

                sigpic

                Comment


                  #9
                  950 ft lb impact is not powerful enough.

                  I struggle to take them off with a 1400 ft lb one.

                  You need to torch it
                  Originally posted by wholepailofwater
                  Q
                  :devil:


                  WTB: Dove Grey e36 Front Door Panels (2 door)

                  Comment


                    #10
                    The SMOKE WRENCH!!

                    Comment


                      #11
                      I'll give it a go with the torch and report back back

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by GoochE30 View Post
                        I'll give it a go with the torch and report back back
                        It will work with a torch, but not with one of those little propane ones, (sorry hank Hill)

                        You're going to want to use an oxy-fuel torch
                        Last edited by MrBurgundy; 01-10-2019, 01:46 PM.
                        Originally posted by wholepailofwater
                        Q
                        :devil:


                        WTB: Dove Grey e36 Front Door Panels (2 door)

                        Comment


                          #13
                          IIRC those MAPP/MAPD and O2 kits you can get at home improvement places produce nearly the same temps as an acetylene/O2 setup. But MAPP alone does something like 35% less temp output without O2.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Finally got the SOB but hammered so hard it messed up my tie rod end. Hopefully that will be an easier job. Thanks

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Good to hear, but what in the world were you doing to roach a ball joint, or did you just split the boot?

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