Front Axles

[vesparex]

So going to replace the front axles on my '81 GL hatchback 4wd. 

Any tips or tricks? The Haynes says I need special tools. I am sure this is doable without Subaru specific tools at this point 39 years later!

D

[idosubaru]

Pop ball joint and axle roll pin out and pull the axle. 

if there’s rust have dual fuel torches ready.

[Dee2]

  On 9/16/2020 at 10:09 PM, vesparex said:

Any tips or tricks?

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If you haven't done this before watch the videos on how to do it.  There are also many historical posts from people who have done it many times.  A search should pull them up.

 

 

[Numbchux]

3/16 punch. preferrably a long one.

 

When you put it back together, it will only line up one way, if the roll pin doesn't go back in pretty easily, rotate the axle 180

[DaveT]

Make sure the punch is not small enough to get stuck inside the roll pin!  I've read a number of times someone did this, and made themselves a nightmare. 

[moosens]

And look for and/or feel for the countersink in the axle and drive the pin out in that direction and re-insert it into that same countersink. It’s easier when you don’t fight tapers. 
 

Yes , that’s happened to this old man back when , where the punch was too thin but not such a disaster as I didn’t drive it hard and was able to yank it out after only minimal cussing. So naturally I have proper size punches in my box now. 
 

Enjoy !