4

I'm trying to remove the rear wheel on my 2007 Suzuki RMZ450. I've removed the axle bolt and tried banging the axle with a rubber mallet for about two weeks now. IT WON'T BUDGE. Not even a little bit. It seems to be completely seized up. What can I do to loosen it up and eventually remove, hopefully saving the wheel bearings at the same time?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
5

First, I have to compliment your stamina. I doubt I'd be able to keep swinging a mallet for two whole weeks.

Soak the area in a good penetrating oil. I like Wurth's Rost Off, but there are many choices. Hit it with penetrating oil once or twice a day for a while. Give it a few whacks with a mallet, if it doesn't loosen up, hit it with more penetrating oil, and come back tomorrow. Repeat until it's off.

Otherwise, I think you might have to resort to using a torch to heat the bearings or the axle. After the torch treatment, I'd replace the wheel bearings.

Improve this answer
3
  • Ha! Yes I'm a modern day John Henry. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try them out. And when you said "Wurth's Rost Off", did you mean "Wurth's Rust Off"?
    – hgwhittle
    Aug 8, 2013 at 18:34
  • 1
    Nope, they spell it "Rost." German company.
    – mac
    Aug 8, 2013 at 18:36
  • Ended up having to set a block of wood up against the axle and bang away with a real hammer. Also used a good bit of penetrating oil. Thanks for the help!
    – hgwhittle
    Aug 11, 2013 at 21:49

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .