rear lug bolt remuval

[forestb]

I am trying to get one of the lug bolts out of my rear axle while it is still installed. Does anyone have any tricks, other than hitting it with a big hammer?
I'm thinking maybe some heat or soaking it in liquid wrench. Not at the same time of course.

[val1gonzales]

I've always just sprayed the base of it with some WD-40 and hammered it right out. They don't usually give you any issue. Then using the nut draw it back in.

[forestb]

I have tried hitting them with a hammer. It almost looks like the PO might have tack welded them in from the back or something.

[val1gonzales]

Ouch! If its welded you might have to try and drill it out. May be best to take the axle out and see what's going on there and easier to work on it as well. Maybe grind both front and back side then try to punch out middle piece. All time and money consuming but that's what this resto-love entails.

[bsarts]

If it is indeed welded on in the back, then it is probably because the hole is wallowed out and the knurling on the stud will not hold it tight in the flange. You would have to weld your new one in or get another axle. Or take it to a machine shop....

[forestb]

I hope none of that is true

[jayoldschool]

I always pop them out with a 3lb sledge, then pull in new with upside down lug nut and a socket spacer. For flange with wallowed knurl, you can get lugs with larger seat diameters. I used an M12x1.5 from a Hyundai on my Impala SS after cross checking the charts.