Axle shaft replacement conundrum

[Bottomfeeder]

Originally Posted by 80stech

It's just a regular axle puller plate but you just need to make sure it's big enough to span the holes, some are not. I have never heard of someone pulling the threads in the hub. If I didn't have a puller I think I would go with an air hammer instead which would let the mass of the hub help reduce the impact to the bearing but you still risk taking some life away from the wheel bearing. From the pics of the dust cover you didn't apply very much pressure, likely just a crappy puller. Did you have any trouble getting the new axle through far enough to get a good start on the nut ?

80s - Is the photo below the sort of puller you recommend? I'll be sure to have one on hand for the next time this job comes around. I'm a little ticked at myself that I used the wrong tool on the advice of a stupid YouTube video ... should have checked in here first.

I haven't gotten the new axle yet - ordered a GKN which is the same as the one I used on my 05 that's now got a solid 20K on it with no issues. The axle went back into the hub very easily last time, but if I run into any trouble this time around I'm going to order the CV Axle Shaft Puller / Wheel Bearing Hub Installer Kit from FCP Euro which looks like it would do the trick.

Any other tips or suggestions appreciated.

Thanks again,
Chris