D44 Disassembly

[will.koch]

I am currently breaking down my D44 front axle (disk brakes). I absolutely cannot figure out how to separate the spindle from the knuckle. The book only says it will be very HARD, and gives a short idea on how to, but it doesn't make any sense. Can anybody walk me through how to do this?

 

[Bully Bob]

OOPs..,

"Check that"-----My bad..., thought you meant removing the knuckle.

 

[S_bolt19]

The spindle is held on by 5 bolts. You have to completely take the hub apart and I think that your going to use a 9/16 or 5/8 socket. It shouldn't be that difficult to break them loose because they are threaded into the knuckle.....really, it shouldn't take much to get them off of there.

 

[Yardape]

After you remove the spindle bolts, (punch the bolts through the holes) give the spindle a few taps with a rubber mallot.

 

[will.koch]

The nuts are off and I've been tapping away with a rubber mallet, I guess I'm just concerned about the integrity of the spindle to hit it any harder. I had no idea to tap the bolts back through through, that should help quite a bit. Thanks!

 

[will.koch]

Alright, nuts off, bolts tapped through (except bottom bolt which can't go all the way through b/c of knuckle)... I have a 3 jaw puller pulling on the dang thing and pushing in on the axle (a 2 ton puller), and I'm pounding on the spindle while the tension is still on.. Annnndddd.... nothing... Can't even get a gap to form (although I hear once a gap forms it'll just pop off). Is it possible somebody actually welded the spindle onto the caliper mount bracket or onto the knuckle??? If not, what is the next step, to heat it up with a torch?? Thanks for the help!

-Will

 

[Broncobill78]

Best I can do, hope it helps.

D44_manual.pdf