[William Miller]

I'm going to drop the engine and the suspension. So I need to get the big hub nut's loose before the drop. I'm assuming it's easier now while the parking brakes and trans and also someone could push the brake pedak to keep the hub from spinning.

I saw a thread here recently so I know someone has the tools.

I have some big sockets but the 1-1/8 is a hair too small and 1-1/4 12 pt that fit's but too lose to take the risk. I do have a 1-1/4 6 pt impact socket that I think will work byt I need a 3/4 breaker bar for it. The other thing I do have is a 3/4 to 1/2 short reducer If that helps.

So does anyone have the right tools or something that will work with what I have. I guess I'll need a big A$$ torque wrench when I get ready to put it back together. Hopefully only about a month if the painter comes thru.

While I'm begging I need a bolt to replace the rear seat hinge bolt that I ended up drilling and using the easy out on. I know a lot of you removed your rear seat.

Good news I found a drivers door which will hopefully be shipped to me next week.

One last thing. Removing the wiring harness from the mirror. The manual say's to take a scribe to release the tangs on the wire connectors that are inside the round plastic connector in the mirror. I did this on the headlight connectors which was easy, but it looks real tight in side that round connector. Has anyone done this? What is the secret?

[CrewChief]

I'm a watercooled guy; but I think you need a 36mm socket. 36mm sockets in 6 pt are SnapOn or MAC territory. I see it on the SnapOn online for $39.

They are not THAT expensive and you may be better off to buy one than to burn gas swapping sockets with folks. That said, you are welcome to use mine. It's located in Leesburg.

Also, my experience has been that a BFI (large economy size impact wrench) is the best tool. Doesn't matter about on or off the car; just use the BFI to loosen. You are also welcome to drive over to my place and use our BAC (large economy size compressor/175psi) and our BFI to loosen. Whereupon you can drive home and finish the job.

I will never ever not once in a million years again wrestle with an axle nut again. Last time I BROKE a 1/2 inch breaker bar. The standard impact with 135psi did not work. The BFI and BAC did the trick.

[William Miller]

I can't really drive the car any more:


My compressor will only go to 125 and I doubt has a big enough tank.
Can I barrow the socket. Maybe I can rent a breaker bar.
Any way I can pick it up this afternoon?

[William Miller]

Socket size.
If I convert:
1-1/8 " it's 28.57mm was too tight
1-1/4" is 31.75mm pretty loose

My guess is that I need something like 29,30,31 mm socket.
I can buy a breaker bar for $37 at the rental place.
Another one rents an electric impact wrench
3/4 puts out 220 ft.lbs
A 1" puts out 590 ft. lbs but I would need a 1"-3/4" reducer.
They also rent torque wrenches 0-250 1/2" drive and 0-600 3/4" drive.

So it seems the best bet would be to get your stuff and maybe rent a compressor or and electric impact or the big torque wrench.
What size is the socket for 3/4" I would guess.

[William Miller]

Another thought: We have a compressor on wheels for the jack hammers.
Is they putout a ton of volume, but I think only about 90-120 psi.
Do these adapt for an impact wrench?

[CrewChief]

I'm sure I have the socket size, 30mm, you need. In fact when they get that small Sears usually has them. You're welcome to borrow. But, I won't get home until around 5 this evening.

Sometimes these things come off in a reasonable manner. But, other times they are a real, uh, dog. The BFI and LOTSA air will take them off either way. No need to hold the brakes etc. You may be lucky and not need the 'big guns'.

No, all our sockets 1/2 drive max. Usually don't need to go beyond that unless working on big trucks.

If you want, call my cell: 703 431 1261

[William Miller]

I have a very long 1/2" breaker bar. like 20+ inches.
My fear is that I'll break it at the joint.
Can anyone confirm 30mm.
I can get one at Granger for about $12 Impact type for about $15
That's worth not making the trip.

I read somewhere about some kind of planitary torque multiplier device.
Has anyone seen one? how much?

[CrewChief]

The really hard part about taking these nuts off without impact tools is holding the hub from turning.

Why a 1/2 impact is strong enough but a 1/2 breaker bar is not is beyond me. Strange but true. But you're right, I broke the breaker bar joint.

My 2 cents: get the impact socket.

[Vicegrip]

Bill I go you covered for sockets and big stuff to make them do what you want. Stop by the Taj this weekend Bill J and I are finishing up on the 914 and will be around all day both days. I will set you up with all you need to get the nut off. You do not need two people to remove the nut if you have vented rotors. Are you replacing the bearings?

Recommend that you call first I have a habit of wandering off from time to time. (703)534-8153

[Jazzbass]

Bill -

I just measured the rear axle nut on my Carrera - it was 1.185", or 30mm. I don't have a 30mm, but I did buy a big a$$ 32mm impact socket for axle nuts for like $6 at Pep Boys. I didn't think I needed the Craftsman version for the amount of use it got.