Hey guys, I was doing some suspension work today and got stuck with my driver side axle nut. I managed to work on my passenger side without a problem because the stake on that side wasn't as deep as my driver. Can't seem to fit a chisel or flathead/blade to unstake the nut. Most google searches tell me that you can just take an impact wrench/gun to it and it will unstake itself as the nut comes off, but that sounds extremely risky to me in that the threads/axle will be ruined.

Any tips on how to unstake this? Any help is appreciated!

 

Find a small screw driver or chisel and work at it, slowly work it from either side, it doesn't need to be completely unstaked. The axle spline is harder compared to the thin nut wall so spinning it off with an impact fun shouldn't do any damage.

 

had this problem on my brothers si
started with small screwdriver and impact gun but didnt get anywhere till we used some wd40/pb blaster

 

If you have an impact powerful enough to deform the stake a turn the nut, use that. You won't damage the threads...or...at least, its very unlikely. Even if you un-stake it...you can't 100% move the collar out of the way of the thread. And the staked portion of thread will always have deformation.

If you want to unstake it...You can sharpen an old shitty screwdriver into a point. Or use an awl.

Or use a pair of cutting pliers.

Be creative.

 

you could probably also use a dremel to cut the nut off where it's staked, just plant buy another nut.

 

Hit it with an impact and carry on. You won't hurt anything.

 

Hmmmm. Decisions, decisions. Would I use my IR w7150 or my Milwaukee 2763?

FYI, HD has the 2763 on sale for $100 off. That's a fantastic deal!!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...21XC/301099969

 

I used this since I don't have a big air compressor. Kobalt 1/2in corded impact gun. It zipped the nuts off after I broke two 1/2" extensions (both replaced for free ) trying to get the nuts off.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-8-Am...Wrench/3307992

Here's a good review.

 

Or just un-stake it and use a $20 breaker bar.

Or don't unstake it and use a breaker bar anyway. Lift with your manhood. Not your back.

 

Impact all day, be lazy and smart.

 

I went over to a friend's to use his impact setup since my strength alone was not enough for the driver side nut to unstake itself. Regardless, I appreciate all your guys help and knowledge on this! My main concern was the difference in hardness of metals, but now I know for next time.

 

My kobolt electric impact took my axle bolt off easy. Also can take off the Honda crank bolt with the Leslie 2 lbs impact socket. Took that crank bolt off like it was a lug nut.

 

1100LB-FT, my cordless impact makes.

Rat a tat tat. I never hesitate to put a tiny bolt on its back.

 

If impact doesn't work then use a breaker bar, with cheater extension if needed. You don't really need to manually un-stake it because it's suppose to un-stake itself when turned.