Kozminot wrote:
I have researched numerous threads and info on rear axle removal and I am now at a point where I feel I have to drill the inboard axle stub to remove them. I tried the slide hammer method using bearing knife. I started with 5 lb slide and went on to 20 lb dumbell with no success. I have used pb blaster daily for about 4 weeks. When sprayed on 1 side, the pb blaster easily makes it out the other side. I have concluded the "c" clips are the only thing holding my stubs in. I am thinking about drilling a 3/8" hole in one side punching the opposing side out. My question is will the inboard stub I drill out still be ok to use? Or will the hole weaken the stub to the point where it cannot be used? Thanks in advance for your input.
Jeff
From what I have read on this site, the axel removal on a Pilot can be a job.
Here is a good thread with good info
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=16212Apparently the axel can be drilled according to that thread.
That would be my last resort though. If you do have to drill it then I would try soaking it again and trying again to get it out. If that fails then I would try grease and a punch that fits correctly in that drilled hole, so keep that drill hole size in mind. Size it for a 3/8 or 1/2 so you can use a piece of cold roll as a punch for the grease method.
Caution: If the drill hole is lets say 3/8 then DON"T use a 3/8 punch. Reason: The punch will mushroom and you won't get it out.
Drill the first hole small (1/4") (don't BREAK THE BIT) and try the lube. Then drill bigger if no go.
I have broken drills in a hole before at work. It is not an issue if you are skilled with a cutting torch. The drill bit is very hard and it heats up fast. Then a real quick shot with the oxygen lever. So what I do next to get the broken bit out is smack it with a punch. The bit will break up most of the time. Repeat. Just don't break the bit -- Amen.
As for your question: "will it weaken it to the point where it cannot be used ?"
Well I would use it anyways because these parts are expensive and hard to get.
Just my thoughts.