Seperating Steering Knuckle from Spindle

[jxhunte]

1997 Ford Ranger, 4.0L 4X4 - The U-Joint, Front Axle, at the Steering Knuckle (passenger side) is bad, needing replacement. When attempting to remove the axle I ran into a problem trying to separate the spindle from the steering knuckle. The spindle is rusted solid to the steering knuckle. I have used Freeze-Off/Liquid Wrench with coaxing from a dead blow hammer to no avail. Anyone out there in Forum Land with any ideas on how I separate the spindle from the steering knuckle? Will heat help? Air Chisel? Dynomite? Help appreciated!!

 

[pillen140]

ive used an air chisel, be very careful you dont mangle the spindle though. work evenly around it. take your time with it also.

 

[yyc_tbird_sc]

If you can, get a couple spare spindle nuts and screw them onto the threads with both nuts tight to each other. Take a BFH and beat the spindle laterally back and forth a bit until it starts to separate from the knuckle. When you get it loose enough that you can slide a flat head screwdriver under one side of the splindle. Then beat the spindle in the other direction and keep working it this way until it's loose.

Take the spindle to a wire wheel on a bench grinder and clean all the junk off of it. Also take a wire brush to the inside of the knuckle and clean off all the loose junk there as well. Whatever you do, do not try to grind out the inside diameter of the knuckle as the spindle relies on this tight fit for it to be stable.

If you can't get a spare set of spindle nuts, then use a 2x4 to pad the spindle and beat it this way. A BIG dead blow also works too, just may have to swing a little more.

 

[jxhunte]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will incorporate your suggestions in my next attemp and will report back on my success.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

How about trying the proper tool?

A slide hammer with a spindle puller attachment.

 

[gwaii]

If you can, get a couple spare spindle nuts and screw them onto the threads with both nuts tight to each other. Take a BFH and beat the spindle laterally back and forth a bit until it starts to separate from the knuckle. When you get it loose enough that you can slide a flat head screwdriver under one side of the splindle. Then beat the spindle in the other direction and keep working it this way until it's loose.

Take the spindle to a wire wheel on a bench grinder and clean all the junk off of it. Also take a wire brush to the inside of the knuckle and clean off all the loose junk there as well. Whatever you do, do not try to grind out the inside diameter of the knuckle as the spindle relies on this tight fit for it to be stable.

If you can't get a spare set of spindle nuts, then use a 2x4 to pad the spindle and beat it this way. A BIG dead blow also works too, just may have to swing a little more.

this is the method i've always used,but i've never done it with the the spare nuts(not saying it's a bad idea,just i've not done it)usually use a big dead blow or a 2x4.the rest is the same.

How about trying the proper tool?

A slide hammer with a spindle puller attachment.

cool....never even seen one of those

 

[ronclark]

How about trying the proper tool?

A slide hammer with a spindle puller attachment.

Cool, more tools to buy. but really i did not know.
I guess there are tools for everything and tools for tools. lol

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

cool....never even seen one of those

T'is the cats ass!

The spindle attachment has stepped threads so that it will thread onto d35/44/50/60 spindles.

 

[gwaii]

handy...might need to look into one of those.

 

[jxhunte]

Anyone know of where a person can pick up the Slide Hammer with Spindle Puller attachment? Harbor Freight? Northern Tools? If this is the tool that should be used for this project, that is what I will use. Thanks!

 

[pillen140]

I would love to know where you got the spindle attachment!

 

[jxhunte]

Sears sells the Slide Hammer for $50. However, this does not include the spindle attachment. I will google "Slide Hammer Spindle Attachment" and let you know what I find if anything.

 

[jxhunte]

Newark Tools sells a 4 Wheel Drive Spindle Puller Attachment for use with OEM Slide Hammers (#27033) and other 5/8" x 18 thread. May also be used with 1/2" x 20 slide hammers. This tool is three step threaded to fit most front spindles: 1 1/2", 1 5/8", and 2" on four wheel drive vehicles. Customer Service 888-895-3958. This is what my google search produced.

 

[chrwilkins30]

just go to an autozone. you can rent both parts.

 

[jxhunte]

Using a 2X4, BFH and chisel I was able to remove the Spindle. Beating the spindle from all angles with the BFH and 2X4 a crack developed between the Spindle and Steering Knuckle. I then used the chisel, working my way around the circumference of the Spindle. Once the crack appeared, it was fairly easy from there. I've removed the front axle and now in the process of replacing the U-Joint. Thanks for all the suggestions and help. This thread is proof that there is truely more than one way to skin a cat.