Question about separating a birfield from a front axle shaft (1 Viewer)

[shmukster]

I must have separated at least 50 birfields from axle shafts but I currently have a pair that came from an 87 axle that do not want to come apart. The method I've used successfully 100% of the time in the past is to hold the axle shaft tightly in my bench vise and using a 1" diameter steel punch and a big hammer I drive the birfield off the shaft. Never failed before.......... but I am stumped this time. I know I'm getting older and weaker but darn I have been trying this (previously successful) method without getting them apart. Both the short side and long side present the same problem. Any suggestions will be highly appreciated. Thanks, Gary

 

[Kanatii]

Have you tried heating the collar of the birfield up?

 

[g-man]

sounds like your doing it right. Guess the snap ring is froze?

 

[OGBeno]

Gary: bring it next weekend and we can get the collective mind trust to will that thing off.

@bkfj40 can break anything apart.

 

[OSS]

See time stamp 30:58

 

[shmukster]

While I do not have a piece of appropriately sized tubing here I did enjoy the video. The method I've always used is shown in the post by g-man. Guess I'll be looking for some pipe I'm guessing 1 1/4 or 1 1/2.

 

[Dumpolina]

FWIW, I've had better success with a brass hammer when a punch wouldn't convey enough energy and I didn't have a good piece of pipe

 

[OSS]

I used a piece 1-1/2" sch 40 aluminum pipe I had. 1-1/4" should work fine too.

 

[Dallas Cruiser]

I haven't tried, but would a handle off of a high lift Jack be big enough pipe?

 

[hygge]

@shmukster I tried the PVC route and that failed miserably, I tried the brass drift and hammer. That also failed miserably.

A 4' 1 1/2 steel pipe from Home Depot did the trick on the second smash. Just put a rag/tshirt in the bottom to catch the shaft.

Good luck!!

 

[bkfj40]

I've always used a steel pipe.

I can bring one next weekend that you can have if you'd like. Now that you're retired, you can't steal stuff from work as easily

 

[shmukster]

I've always used a steel pipe.

I can bring one next weekend that you can have if you'd like. Now that you're retired, you can't steal stuff from work as easily

You always were the insightful fella!!!!!!

 

[REKCUT]

Steel pipe for me also. I did have one that even with black pipe dropped off the roof of barn still wouldn't separate. Ended up warping then end of the pipe but no go on separation.

 

[VA.CRUISER]

I just separated mine with a piece of pipe also works best if you have a piece of 1/2” plate steel to drop it down on too

On a side note I think you need more bran in your diet give Bob a call

 

[mwalls54]

Gary: bring it next weekend and we can get the collective mind trust to will that thing off.

@bkfj40 can break anything apart.

yep bring them next weekend and we can get them apart if you havent by then.
and yes BK can break anything

 

[David*BJ70]

So easy with this trick :



You may also be interest to know how to reinstal it :