Methods for removing badly seized CV/hub

**SpeciP3** · 22-09-2012, 08:38 PM

Hey guys, as the title says I'm struggling to get the hub seperated from the outer CV shaft, it's really stuck on there. Basically moved it a 1/4 of an inch with much spray and release, hammering and swearing

Is there some way that may help some more, as I would really love to get it off and get the job done ASAP.
I've got a heat gun ready to go, that's about all I can think of...

Cheers,
Mike

**h100vw** · 22-09-2012, 08:50 PM

In my experience, you going to have to beat that out of there, with some heat if you can get it on. Don't plan on reusing the CV joint, the chances of the threads surviving are pretty small.

Gavin

**Jmac** · 22-09-2012, 10:45 PM

Experience with a mK3?? some were notorious for that, thats why VW brought out a tool that bolts onto the hub and has a centre bolt that presses the cv out of the hub, so yes they can be mega tight, i rememeber plenty ABF Gtis back in the Uk and VR6s bering like that, then you get some thats good. The hub tool is an awesome tool though, most VW shops got one with their VW base kit.
Mines got borrowed and not returned Arghhh !! Ill probably buy another soon, still plenty Mk3s out there.
A good thumping will eventually get out but be carefull not to wreck the threaded area of the joint
My 2c
Jmac

**wai** · 22-09-2012, 11:30 PM

Can you get some sort of a puller on to it like the ones to remove pulleys or the steering wheel?

As you are replacing it, doing things to it is not impoetant, as long as you don't damage the bits you will have to re-use.

**SpeciP3** · 22-09-2012, 11:41 PM

Cheers for the tips guys. I wasn't planning on replacing the CV, just doing to remove ball joint which is now free. Thought it may be better to release it now, grease it up and put it back together to save it being done later.
Might be worth while visiting the dealers and borrowing the release device too.

On another note is there any 'best point' for levering and accessing behind the hub?

**rayray086** · 23-09-2012, 07:23 AM

I use jaw pullers. Also used them for seized on rotors.

**wai** · 23-09-2012, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by rayray086

I use jaw pullers. Also used them for seized on rotors.

Yep, that's the sort of thing. I had to use an old gear puller I had to remove the plastic drive square on a tap spindle the other day when I changed a tap washer. The only other way would have broken it and then I would have had to buy a whole new tap cartridge. Another way is to find someone with a hydraulic press and press it out.

Many decades ago there was a place in Alexandria (Sydney) called You-fix-it. Basically, you booked a spot where you could work on your car, and the place had mechanics on dutyto help (at no extra cost), hoists, and oil collection, and they also had a full array of tools that you could use like presses and pullers. It is a pity such facilities are no longer available.

**gldgti** · 23-09-2012, 11:43 AM

If its all still on the vehicle, I'd disconnect the inner joint from the gearbox, and if the puller doesn't work (sometimes it is too seized for a puller to work, I've had this myself) set to with a 12lb sledge and a drift so you can keep punching it though the hub.

Did one on a cordoba once that was just so badly seized that was the only way we could get it. Using some heat is good too, just a butane torch can do wonders.

**rayray086** · 23-09-2012, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by gldgti

If its all still on the vehicle, I'd disconnect the inner joint from the gearbox, and if the puller doesn't work (sometimes it is too seized for a puller to work, I've had this myself) set to with a 12lb sledge and a drift so you can keep punching it though the hub.

Did one on a cordoba once that was just so badly seized that was the only way we could get it. Using some heat is good too, just a butane torch can do wonders.

Yeah I broke my first jaw puller, but then again it was a SuperCheap jobbie.