|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
|
Mr. Diety
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flower Mound, TX
Posts: 23
|
Replacing axles - what size socket for the torx bolts?
Does anyone know what size socket I should pick up to remove the bolts at the diff? I thought I had it somewhere but can't find the info to save my life. I'll be replacing both axles next week and am trying to gather up all the extra tools I might need for the job. Got the 30mm socket for the nut and will probably pick up a air hammer at either Northern or Harbor Freight this weekend.
I'll also be replacing the right rear bearing and hub (left has already been done) so I'm following the other thread here with great interest. |
||
09-10-2008, 02:00 PM
|
|
|
Moderator
|
Cheap impact wrenches are pretty low on torque. You are probably better off with a big breaker bar, Liquid Wrench and some heat.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
||
|
09-10-2008, 08:28 PM
|
|
|
Mr. Diety
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flower Mound, TX
Posts: 23
|
Tell me about it. I did the front bearings 2 weekends ago and my impact wrench wouldn't budge the nuts. No problem for my big Husky torque wrench - suprisingly little muscle to get it off. The air hammer would be for the axles - I'm going to replace them as they are both thumping a bit. I had it up at 5th Gear and they told me to use an air hammer on the axle as opposed to using a slide hammer - never used either so I'm just guessing which approach would be the best -- figure it would be easier to go to Autozone on short notice and get the slide hammer than the other way around. Since the drivers side had the bearing and hub replaced in March, that axle probably won't be too bad - it's the other one that will likely be the problem.
Actually, given the horror stories here, I'm starting to be more concerned about getting the bearing/hub out of the trailing arm. I've got the writeup by SecretAznSauce and some others to get familiar with before I get going. |
||
|
09-10-2008, 09:07 PM
|
|
|
Moderator
|
There is a DIY gathering at Autoscope with the local BMWCCA this month. Problem is if you dont finish in time you have to leave the car and let Autoscope finish it. There will be mechanics to help out.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
||
|
09-11-2008, 04:40 PM
|
|
|
Mr. Diety
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Flower Mound, TX
Posts: 23
|
Good suggestion but I don't think I could get done in time - at least the first time around. I also tend to be a tourist when I'm working on the car - once I get parts off, I like to look around and see what else is there, how it works, clean things up, etc.
|
||
|
09-12-2008, 10:49 AM
|
|
|
Moderator
|
I'm the same way. I dont like to be rushed. When you get in a hurry you break things. Which is fine if you are a mechanic you just charge the customer because nothing you break is every your fault.
__________________
HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
||
|
09-12-2008, 11:31 AM
|
|
|
1997 BMW M3 3.2L I6
