Suzuki 4x4 Club™

[B1N9S]

Hi,

I am trying to replace my rear diff on a Samurai.  I am struggling to remove the half shafts.  I have stripped down the drums ok, but cannot for the life of me remove the shafts from the axle.

Is there a correct way to remove them other than brute force and ignorance !!!

Cheers

[Google]

[B1N9S]

I think I should also mention.  

At the moment there is NO diff on the axle, so the splined ends are just sat free in the housing.  If that makes any difference.

[BearMatthews]

The correct way, as per the haynes manual is 'attach a slide hammer'...

BUT most people dont have a slide hammer AND it wont make it blind bit of difference if you use one as it wont work!

So.. what i did on my vitara was....

1. Put the hub back on, with the brake shoes and handbrake cable and brake line removed...
2. Take off or remove the bottom mount of the shocker and compress it to get it out the way...
3. Ensure the backing plate nuts are removed
4. Put a wheel on backwards (so the face the usually faces you when the wheel is fitted is facing away from you) Use a wheel that you dont mind getting scuffed, dinged, dented, etc. !!!!
5. Hit the wheel with a sledge hammer.. rotatate.. hit again until removed

Brutal i know but it works!

I used this method when welding my rear diff on my vitara and was about to abandon the project because i couldnt get the half shafts out and then i did this and now my diff i nice and welded

Admitedly this method is easier with the whole axle removed from the car but that doesnt take too long....

Cheers, Christian.

[zocko]

or you can just use a proper slide hammer

£33 including VAT and delivery
_________________
the car in front is a toyota...

the car pulling it out of the mud is a suzuki

[BearMatthews]

£33 for one job or £0 for using an old rim.... your choice...

Christian.
_________________
Vitara JLX 1.6
3" suspension lift
2"Body Lift
External Roll Cage/Tubular cab and rear end
32" Dumper Tyres on 10" deep dish 8 spoke wheels
Welded (Locked) Rear Diff
Winches front an rear
Rad In Rear

[zocko]

dont forget the £30+ for a new wheel bearing each side where youve been beating the half shaft out...

thats why they make tools, so they can do the job properly.

bodging is all well and good but its a waste of time when you smash half the car apart to do it
_________________
the car in front is a toyota...

the car pulling it out of the mud is a suzuki

[B1N9S]

Thanks guys.

I will look into getting a slide hammer, but tbh Zocko, I dont fancy spending £30 for a one off tool, I hope I wont need again !!!

Otherwise I may vist a friend with a MIG for a bit of fabrication !!!

Cheers again guys, I just wanted to check there was no secret Suzuki method !!