It's 10pm - Time For Another Front Suspension Question

[Rupertfinch 6]

While removing the passenger side front strut I was forced to resort to the old fashioned approach of blattering the hub carrier with a hammer (of BFH as I've seen it referred to on this forum). Trouble is the hub dropped too quickly towards the end of my attack and in doing so it managed to pull the drive shaft out of the gearbox a little - a small amout of Total BV managed to escape, though no more than 50-100ml, before I raised the hub carrier again and the flow stopped.

 

Have I pulled the driveshaft out completely? And is it pretending to go back in while secretly not managing to?

 

Any course of action or advice would be appreciated.

[nick 3]

If the oil has stopped coming out it should be back in again fully, just have a look/feel at the geabox end to see how much of a gap there is between the driveshaft and box, it should be quite tight up.

 

Nick

[Ahl 4]

It is a pain that, and easy to do.

 

Make sure and also check that the driveshaft/gearbox oilseal isn't leaking now - they can be a bit sensitive to driveshafts being pulled in and out.

[v6Max 0]

Agree with all the above and just to add, in the future something like the Facom Machperson Strut Separator kit that you can pick up from places like Tooled-Up can save you needing the BFH - if you use something like this you can usually drop the hub carried by hand - no hammering needed

[Jrod 7]

Same with a 8mm sump plug tool.

[number2301 1 1 Cars]

I found the 8mm sump plug key to be virtually useless, 7mm would probably be perfect as it would slide in nicely but with the 8mm not fitting in very well it came out all the time when I tried to crank it round.

[Rupertfinch 6]

Ah, now this could prove to be very useful chaps, especially as I haven't removed the drivers side one.

 

So it's just a case of a regular 8mm sump key (they're square aren't they?) inserted into the hub then rotated to increase the diameter of the hole and thus be able to withdraw the strut nice and easy?

 

This sounds like a plan. Facom Machperson Strut Separator kit - I will also be investigating this! Many thanks.

[Alastairh 47]

Same with a 8mm sump plug tool.

 

Agreed. Used this methods hundreds of times now. Saves mullering your hubs!

[Rippthrough 98]

The flat end of a 306 wheel brace is perfect.