Thread: Stuck 1/2 shaft

Originally Posted by Dmage

I have a broken half shaft (short) which broke on the outboard end. I have removed the drive flange which had a small piece attached and the rest is in the axle housing and does not want to come out to play! It also seems to have deformed the stub axle as the nuts were extremely tight to remove and the bearings won't slide off.

Can you put a piece of pipe through from the other side and encourage it out or is there a part in the diff centre which blocks you from doing this?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!!!

hi take both shafts out must check the diff centre to see no damage diff centre and parts are here at heavy dicounts to aulro members regards jim

With a transformer stick welder strike an arc on the broken bit (earth on the housing) then turn off the power to the welder. The rod will stick to the broken bit then pull. Note you need 2 to do it, one to hold the rod in position and one to turn the welder off.

Don't know about gears bearings etc but probably enough paths to avoid damage. Used to be a pretty standard method for the P6B.

Originally Posted by Dmage

Can you put a piece of pipe through from the other side and encourage it out or is there a part in the diff centre which blocks you from doing this?

You can not push the axle out from the opposite side. I would first remove the stub axle and brake backing plate. Then weld a suitable chain link or shackle onto the broken axle. Place the earth lead on the axle, not the housing. You do no want the welding current going through the differential bearings. Then use a winch or chain block to pull the axle out.

Aaron

If it's a Rover diff. it's possible. I use a 1/2" hard copper tube that's flattened at one end for about 6". There is just enough room to push it past the pinion spindle.
.W.

Thanks everyone. I will try the flattened tube to start then go with the welding stick, although I will have to use the diff housing to earth as there is no shaft visible to attach the earth. The shaft is jammed against the housing so hopefully will not earth through the diff bearings.

Have you removed the stub axle and brake backing plate from the main axle housing?

Aaron

Aaron, I started to do that before I quit tonight so will finish that in the morning - which will hopefully solve the problem!

With the stub axle removed, you will have more access to the broken axle to attach the earth line to.

Aaron