I'm trying to drop my front axle differential.

I got the right front axle out of the hub with no issues - just a slight tap with small sledge and I was able to pull it out the back.

The left front is really stuck in the wheel hub/bearing. I've given it some pretty hard hits with my sledge hammer and it's not budging. I googled the topic and I've seen some horror stories.

Any suggestions on how to get it out?

I realize I can probably drop the differential with just the upper ball joint removed (which is the situation now) - but I'm thinking it needs to be loose in the hub in order for me the "jam" the axle back in the differential when I ready for reassembly.

Any suggestions / advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I have seen people get some of these kinds of stuck things out by using an air hammer on them.

 

Agree air hammer. Steady. Long time. Only thing that worked for me

 

Think I used this: 10 Amp, 1-1/8 in. SDS Type Variable-Speed Rotary Hammer

With a blunt tip. Nut partially on axle shaft. Mine was very tight. Almost like it had overheated and seized to the axle. Surprised it did come out. Replaced both bearing and axle shaft. 130,000. Replacement axle failed within 6 months. All good now.

 

Think I used this: 10 Amp, 1-1/8 in. SDS Type Variable-Speed Rotary Hammer

With a blunt tip. Nut partially on axle shaft. Mine was very tight. Almost like it had overheated and seized to the axle. Surprised it did come out. Replaced both bearing and axle shaft. 130,000. Replacement axle failed within 6 months. All good now.

Thanks - any suggestions on aftermarket hub/bearings? I was going to order the moog one. Did you get an OEM front axle, or are aftermarket available for those as well?

 

I got a a Mopar Hub/Bearing for my WK2 for around $100.00 on RockAuto, I think its the same part as the WK series as they both have the MB underpinnings. For the removal of the hub/bearing, just type "Hubshocker" in google. I bought one for $50.00 on EBay, worth every penny.

 

Looks like I'm adding an air hammer to my collection of tools
I mostly just work on vintage motorcycles, so while I have a good collection of tools, I don't have has much in the "heavy duty" category.

Two questions:

• What do you put on the end of the threaded axle to prevent damaging it with the air hammer? I had put the nut back on it when I hit it with sledge hammer, but I think I still might have damaged a couple threads.
• Will the wheel hub/bearing be toast after I do this? I already gave the end of the axle a few pretty hard whacks with the sledge and I'm wondering if I already damaged the bearing.

Thanks!