What did you do to / for your E53 today??

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by LA02MAX

Thanks for all the suggestions. It’s actually the hub side I’m talking about. It didn’t take me but a few tries to get both axles into the differential.

I’ve taken a wire brush, brake cleaner, PB blaster, and a file to the splines but no luck. I can actually see how far the splines reach within the hub from the wear marks on the ID of the hub (the innermost surface of the splines). Seems to me the tolerance is just very tight and it’s possible I’m just not able to get it to go in 100% straight. I considered taking some sand paper to the inner portion of the hub, but decided to just get the right tool and save myself the same headache for the future. I never would have guessed they were like this, though. The oem axles slide into the hubs just like any other car I’ve done this on.

My experience is the OEM factory axles are very tight and required a tool to pull them into the hub. Tool wasn't too expensive. Bought it after I destroyed the threads on a axle I was trying to get in by using the axle nut. Tool was worth it.

[andrewwynn]

I wanted to get the tool but after cleaning the splines I've never had a problem the axle shoots right through the hub. The tool that pulls the axle by the threads is awesome.

[Henn28]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I wanted to get the tool but after cleaning the splines I've never had a problem the axle shoots right through the hub. The tool that pulls the axle by the threads is awesome.

I’ve seen that on eBay, but can’t understand how it works if the splines are such a tight fit in the hub to begin with. How can they screw onto the axle and then pull it through, if they add to the diameter of the axle threads?

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Henn28

I’ve seen that on eBay, but can’t understand how it works if the splines are such a tight fit in the hub to begin with. How can they screw onto the axle and then pull it through, if they add to the diameter of the axle threads?

This tool?



Like this...

https://xoutpost.com/985322-post9.html

[andrewwynn]

The OD on the threads is just enough smaller than the ID of hub spline. The wall on the tube is pretty thin but it's a large enough diameter to take the stress.

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by Happy

Those control arms look nice!

Ohhh yeah, man.. they look even better fitted! Big day today...

Front and rear giubo's (or however ya spell em). New center bearing, and ALL the good bits up front.

Pretty dang clean under there for 170k miles! Well.. I cant see ONE actual thing that has been there the entire time...

[andrewwynn]

GIUBO (JOO-boh)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giubo

Tough one to remember how to spell or pronounce.

[LA02MAX]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

I have a tool I made for cleaning splines.

I cut off the end of an old axle. I ground off about .003" all the way around except for about 1/3" about 1/2" fromm the end.

I will pound that through the hub rotating about 1/8th a turn putting in pb blaster or the like.

I will repeat until I don't need a hammer and can just push though with my thumb.

Then I will pinch a tiny bit of steel wool on one "side" (eg 3 o'clock), and work that though with a hammer and rotate to 4:30, 6:00 etc.

When done with that treatment, the axle will drop right though the hub every time.

Oh: the best tip for getting an axle though a hub:

Leave the tower strut nuts loose until you get the axle though the hub.

One day I was having as much trouble as you. Spent 90 minutes trying to get the axle though the hub, loosened the strut tower bolts and the rubber boot from the CV shot the axle though without me touching it!

I keep the tool with my mechanics tools. I always run that though the hub before reinstalling.

I've had a couple cases of needing to apply 15T of force to remove a hub. FYI you can make your own axle press from an old rotor and a large bolt. I have a special setup I use I can find pictures if it will help

This is awesome! One of these days I'll have space to get a lathe and mill and have fun like this. But my axle puller tool will be here tomorrow, so not too bad

As far as technique, I was definitely able to get it further in without the strut attached to the knuckle, but any kind up/down/side motion didn't help my case. I didn't think to leave the strut tower bolts loose, but hopefully it will be a non-issue once I get the puller tool! Again, thanks everyone for all the good suggestions. I'm 100% determined that I'll have the front end suspension wrapped up this weekend so I can move on to my next pain: the valve stem seals

[X5chemist]

Originally Posted by Happy

Nice! That cover is hard to find right now!

I should have listened to my Wife.

Are you on the coast or Houston? I didn't open the box when purchased. My brother opened it and covered the X5. I hope it lasts 1-2 months so I can catch up on some home projects. It's probably better suited for shade or indoor covering. I'll probably upgrade to a more durable cover. The X5 will be in driving duty rotation with three other vehicles. The vehicles not in use for a few days will be covered from sun rays.

[Happy]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Ohhh yeah, man.. they look even better fitted! Big day today...



Front and rear giubo's (or however ya spell em). New center bearing, and ALL the good bits up front.


Pretty dang clean under there for 170k miles! Well.. I cant see ONE actual thing that has been there the entire time...

That will definitely cure any unwanted vibrations.