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Castle nut removal
Posted: 15 Feb 2013, 21:34
by Jonnyb416
I need to undo the castle nut but I have a problem, the wheel hub is not on the van. Now I know you would usually use a long breaker bar but can I still undo this nut without it being attached to the van? (see picture) I am thinking can I stop the wheel from turning by locking the wheel in place with a bar through the wheel studs? Can a garage undo such torque with an air wrench? Any tips welcome!
Thanks, Jon.

Re: Castle nut removal
Posted: 15 Feb 2013, 22:06
by ninja.turtle007
Angle grinder with 1mm disk and a hammer and chisel. Carefully cut back the nut until just before the thread and then chisel it off.
Re: Castle nut removal
Posted: 15 Feb 2013, 22:47
by CovKid
Yep - fastest way.
Re: Castle nut removal
Posted: 16 Feb 2013, 07:05
by Aidan
how did they get that off the trailing arm ?
I replaced mine at the weekend and had to remove the hub first and loosen the backplate from the bearing carrier in order to get in with the long arm and socket to undo the four bolts, but was able to leave the brake shoes and cylinder on the backplate so didn't disturb the brake hydraulics
you could bolt the inner end of the half axle to a big bench but with the force required to undo the nut if it's fully tight cutting the nut is probably best
Re: Castle nut removal
Posted: 16 Feb 2013, 07:18
by camper
Are you sure its fully tighten or has it been pinched tight only for storage.
Re: Castle nut removal
Posted: 16 Feb 2013, 09:24
by Jonnyb416
I removed it but I took the trailing arm off first. So the while lot came off in one.
I will be replacing the back plate and various other bits but will need to undo the castle nut so I can re-use the bearing part and wheel nuts etc. Hope that makes sense?
I think the problem is turning such force but with nothing to counter weight it.
I presume after cutting the nut down it won't require such force to chisel it off?
Thanks for your replies. Jon.