Adk46

I'm working on my torn CV boots.

Out of the starting gate, I'm having trouble with the axle nuts. A half-inch breaker bar with a two-foot extension was way overmatched. My half-inch impact wrench did not do better. I've borrowed a three-quarter-inch impact wrench - still nothing, which seems very wrong. Perhaps my compressor is not up to snuff (can't read the pressure - gage is fogged - but the regulator is turned up all the way). Perhaps my airline is too small for a 3/4" wrench. Perhaps it's because I'm using an ordinary socket with an adapter.

If I were to get a 3/4" breaker bar and proper socket, can I do any damage with it? I have the car up on stands, so it's a matter of being in park and the parking brakes as counterforce - perhaps a 2x4 jammed in the opposite wheel studs.

They've been soaking in penetrant for days already. These are ordinary nuts, right? No secret handshake involved?

Any advice? Similar experience?

SeanR

Drive it over to any heavy duty truck shop and pay them to loosen the nuts a bit for you. Tighten them back up with your 1/2 set up and drive home gently. Do the job and then tighten them as best you can. Go back to the same shop and pay them to torque them down properly.

Or go buy a set of 1" sockets, breaker bar and toque wrench.

Adk46

I could do that, once I've put the front of the engine back together. Why do I feel like I have to do both jobs at once? I've got to relax!

One-inch? Is it that bad? Yikes.

Crumpler

I had to use a 3/4 breaker bar and a six foot cheater on the end.

John Speake

Yes a 3/4 drive and a 6ft breaker, that's what it took to get mine loose. Also better with the wheel on the ground, well chocked.

NoVector

YES. There was alcohol involved and stores were closed. These are 1/2" extensions.

Anyway, 3/4" made quick work of it. I recommend not going overboard and buying Snap-on. Just run down Harbor Freight. I think the ratchet, extension and socket were under $20.

What's more amazing is Alan still let me use the tow-hook threading tool after I posted this picture

soontobered84

Damage could result from juggling 3/4" drive sockets over the body of your car. (Don't freaking ask, just don't okay?)

I always pull UP on the breaker bar to loosen or tighten these. Pushing down is limited by your body weight and the length of the breaker. Pulling up uses the muscles in your torso and is akin to a dead lift in weight lifting. Much much more torque available to you that way.

Tony

Harbor freight will be your friend here...
20 bucks

http://www.harborfreight.com/34-in-j...het-68110.html


I believe they carry the 32mm socket as well. I got mine at Sears and got a screaming deal on it...they are usually a bit pricey for single sockets.

put a cheater bar on the end and stood on it...with a small bounce..it slowly broke free supporting my weight for quite some time. Its an interference fit which is why its so hard to remove.

Adk46

In a forum for a different Porsche model, I saw a warning that their axle nuts should not be re-used. Not true for 928s, I gather.

Rob Edwards

I asked Greg Brown about that a couple months ago and he always replaces with new, which was news to me at the time, as I have never done that (on 2 cars...) and lived to tell about it. But yes, optimally they're single use.

docmirror

When the Earth collapses into the sun, and it goes supernova, the 928 axle nut will be the last thing identifiable amongst the goo. I too used the 3/4 x 4' breaker and a hefty hop on it.

Adk46

I'm going to take mine to Mordor. I'll fight my way there using the 3/4" breaker bar.

Chalkboss

Courtesy of Harbor Freight. For us hacks out there is not a better use of a 20 spot. And it will bust that crankshaft bolt off too. Lots of things suck at HF but this is a gem.

Stromius

Get a small torch. Helped mine with a HF butane torch and soaking with PB Blaster. Oh and secret handshake too.

oaros

2 m aluminium pipe on end of ratchet, lift up slowly and steady like John wrote....easy....