Propshaft Removal

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 11 Dec 2006, 18:00

I've undone all 8 flange bolts on the propshaft and marked up the positioning but how does the prop come off?

Its loose now and spins feely, do you have to lever it off?

Post by **toomanytoys** » 11 Dec 2006, 18:04

If you are lucky, then you can put a lever in between the front diff housing and the support bar and carfully move the diff forwards a fraction to let it out.. but I would suggest fitting 1 bolt in the other end so as not to let the prop drop on the floor/foot etc... if the front diff wont move, the try the gearbox end.. but DONT wedge anything in the flanges etc... otherwise its an undoo/loosen the diff mounts..

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 11 Dec 2006, 18:25

I've just tried this and i cant get any leverage on the diff to make it move. I'll try again tommorrow in the light but surely theres an easier way?

How far does the diff need to move before the prop comes out?

When somebody said to me "just whip the prop out, its only 8 13mm bolts" they didnt mention its then damn hard work to get actually get the prop off.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 11 Dec 2006, 18:53

As I said... if you are lucky....
mine moved the 3mm or so, needed to clear the little centering ring on the flange... you may have to try and lever the gearbox back a fraction...
its been on and off twice since and I just levered the diff housing...

if the prop is spinning then you dont need a lot, but dont force it.....

Oh and a screwdriver isnt enough, you need a small crowbar really...

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 11 Dec 2006, 19:06

Have had a big bar on the diff housing.

I'll have another go tommorrow after work when its light out.

Post by **syncroandy** » 11 Dec 2006, 20:00

I find mine pops in and out quite easily without having to un-do the diff mountings, there seems to be enough compliance in the mountings to permit this. Maybe the flanges are rusted together ? Try a sharp tap on one side to see if that frees them.

Post by **Russel** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:09

Dont mes arond just use a rawhide or brass malett and hit it on the diff side of the universal joint.

Post by **Trundler** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:11

Mine was easy to get off when I did the VC earlier this year. I think yours may just need a bit of a tap round the flanges as syncroandy says.

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 11 Dec 2006, 21:21

The flanges arent rusted together, they're turning nicely, will try the hammer trick when i've got more light tommorrow.

Russel, i've sent you an email regarding the VC, cheers, Ian

Post by **toomanytoys** » 11 Dec 2006, 22:25

If the prop is turning easy and the diff/box flanges are not, then hitting it wont help.. you need to create a bit of length... youll prob have to undo the mounting bolts on the diff to allow a bit more "give", or perhaps a ratcket strap around the box and back to the rear engine mounting bar and a bit of tension in there..

Post by **Ian_Fearn** » 12 Dec 2006, 17:30

I got this off tonight.

Method:

Ratchet strap on the front diff, rear of prop at gearbox end then had enough clearance to come out.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Post by **HarryMann** » 15 Dec 2006, 22:33

Aha, there's usually enough give in the rubber mounts to jemmy the box or the diff away a bit and just pull it out.. anyway, sound like you're hoem and dry now.

Post by **Ye Olde Syncrospares** » 16 Dec 2006, 10:52

piece of advice,when refitting prop,loosen the front diff mounting bolts,loosen the 6 gearbox retaining bolts,fit prop do the prop bolts up the drive slowly back and forth a couple of times then tighten everything back up,this lets everything settle in and should make prop removal easier in future,cj.