OTC 7394 Hub Puller Opinions?

[W0rLDWaR4]

Has anyone tried or used this hub puller to remove stubborn/stuck cv axles that are stuck to the knuckle (or hub assembly)?

Just trying to find something that will work when they're seized. I've used hammers and they mushroom the axle end and out comes my grinder. Any other suggestions are welcome!

LINK TO OTC HUB PULLER FOR REFERENCE

Thanks in advance.

 

[MLB0611]

Air hammer and a pointed bit, is another Idea, a Tech I worked next to swore by that tool you linked to, just note you may need to add heat to get it to pop loose, and I live in the south so no rust.

 

[WVBrady]

I used something similar on my Probe. I tightened it up as much as I could and it still took a couple of days after spraying with Kroil and tapping it with a hammer. The other side was removed by a guy at a local shop with a 6' prybar who "reefed on it" while daring me to say anything. It took several "reefings" to get it. I got a rebuilt one once that obviously someone had pounded on it unmercifully with a sledgehammer, but it was still rebuildable. Of course, I would never do that with one I was planning on reusing.

When I installed the rebuilt axles, I greased the hub and the next time they came out much more easily.

 

[W0rLDWaR4]

Air hammer and a pointed bit, is another Idea, a Tech I worked next to swore by that tool you linked to, just note you may need to add heat to get it to pop loose, and I live in the south so no rust.

I have the ph3050b but don't have any pointed bits. I'll be in the market for one. With the air hammer won't the axle end mushroom with the impacts from the air hammer? ..and yes, i have to look into getting a torch! I'm slowly learning

I used something similar on my Probe. I tightened it up as much as I could and it still took a couple of days after spraying with Kroil and tapping it with a hammer. The other side was removed by a guy at a local shop with a 6' prybar who "reefed on it" while daring me to say anything. It took several "reefings" to get it. I got a rebuilt one once that obviously someone had pounded on it unmercifully with a sledgehammer, but it was still rebuildable. Of course, I would never do that with one I was planning on reusing.

When I installed the rebuilt axles, I greased the hub and the next time they came out much more easily.

That's how the ones I was working on were. They were relentless!!! Greasing them up for next time is a good idea!

 

[MLB0611]

I have the ph3050b but don't have any pointed bits. I'll be in the market for one. With the air hammer won't the axle end mushroom with the impacts from the air hammer? ..and yes, i have to look into getting a torch! I'm slowly learning



That's how the ones I was working on were. They were relentless!!! Greasing them up for next time is a good idea!

Most CV axles have a divot in the center of the axle stub to put the tip of the pointed bit, the bit will deform but the CV axle should be ok.

 

[gibbon_guy]

I have a similar one. It works 90% of the time on stubborn axles. Another good axle tool is the axle popper. It's a pickle fork and a spacer for popping it off on the inside.

 

[signcrafter]

Most CV axles have a divot in the center of the axle stub to put the tip of the pointed bit, the bit will deform but the CV axle should be ok.

Does pounding on it like that mess up anything inside the boots, the actual joint parts?

 

[MLB0611]

Does pounding on it like that mess up anything inside the boots, the actual joint parts?

Nope, remember you are hammering on just the stub shaft after you have taken the spindle off far enough to get the axle out, so no hard hits go to the joints.

 

[malibu101]

LINK TO OTC HUB PULLER FOR REFERENCE.

No input on topic, but, the link shows item weight 9.25 pounds and the shipping weight of 231 pounds.

They must use a lot of heavy packaging material.

 

[owenst7]

This one works great for light duty trucks. Don't know if OTC makes a smaller version though. Honestly, it wouldn't be hard to fabricate your own.

 

[greasemonkey44]

I have one like the OTC but it uses a hex on the end of the puller screw
Lately I remove the rotor and use a two jaw puller

 

[W0rLDWaR4]

This one works great for light duty trucks. Don't know if OTC makes a smaller version though. Honestly, it wouldn't be hard to fabricate your own.

I like that one! Looks like I'll be buying that one as well

 

[JDon99]

I've pulled a lot of cv axles out in the past when I was parting cars all the time, and I would just back the axle nut off till it was slightly past flush and usually smack it with a deablow mallet to loosen it up. I guess I've been pretty lucky with them

I do like the looks of the tool the OP posted a link to, looks like it would work pretty good on a lot of applications.

 

[turdferguson13]

I have the ph3050b but don't have any pointed bits. I'll be in the market for one. With the air hammer won't the axle end mushroom with the impacts from the air hammer? ..and yes, i have to look into getting a torch! I'm slowly learning



That's how the ones I was working on were. They were relentless!!! Greasing them up for next time is a good idea!

I put the axle nut back on while I'm using the air hammer until the axle pops loose. That prevents any thread damage.

 

[owenst7]

I like that one! Looks like I'll be buying that one as well

This is the one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRGXO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Looks like there's an updated version (I bought mine around 2007) that services newer models too. Probably the same thing just with more holes drilled in it.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DGFQTF6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I think if I didn't have this one and needed it (only ever used it once, and now I live in the desert), I'd just weld a nut to a scrap plate and drill some holes. But, this is a well made tool if you don't have the desire to fabricate your own.

 

[bimmerTEK]

ktc tools hub pusher and puller kit(check ebay) is what I have and is a must for for BMW and other euros...I did the air hammer thing for couple years and will not go back..get the right tool for the job. the one you mention is been used for many years and will probably do the job but otc has a heavier duty version that i seen in amazon. I may get it too because the ktc won't fit some hubs like porsche.

 

[phikshin]

Sorry to bring this up again but I am trying to decide between this and the hub grappler. My question is when pulling the hub, what exactly does the forcing screw push against if its a drive wheel ? the axle shaft ? or am i expected to pull the shaft and use an adapter from tne rear? i typically use am air hammer to remove the hub but the last few i couldnt get my air hammer in behind it.