Half Shaft removal

[Bob_K]

I'm trying to remove the hlaf shafts for a U-joint replacement but for the life of my I can't figure out what size the heads on the bolts are where the half shaft attaches on the wheel end. 5/8" is too big, 9/16" doesn't seem to go on no matter what I try, and I think I have all corrosion off. No metric sizes fit properly either (and yes, I realize it shouldn't be metric). Is it possible that it's a 19/32? I've never heard of such a size. Please tell me I'm not crazy because I'm beginning to think that I am. I'm guessing that it's 9/16" and I just need to work at it more to get the socket on, but it just doesn't seem to go on? Any ideas or suggestions? By the way, it's a '79.

 

[Bob_K]

I think I see the problem. One of the bolts is a little rounded from a previous replacement. I think with a 6 point 5/8" I will get enough bite to remove (and replace) the bolt. The 12 point just wasn't cutting it. Wish me luck.

 

[68Roadster]

Bob,
You may have to try lightly tapping the socket on with a hammer....good luck!

 

[76okievette]

How did it go, I have my shafts off and just had the U-Joints replaced. Some of the bolts on my 76 were hard to get out but I got them all out. The "lock" was a problem at first. I am going to put mine back in tomorrow hope that is as smooth as taking them out. I also did the drive shaft. Let me know how it goes.

 

[76okievette]

I fotgot mine are for sure 5/8 bolts. I have a 76 stock suspenstion.

 

[Bob_K]

Thanks for the verification. Now I just need to get my wife to hit the brakes so that I can remove them. In hindsight, I should have taken them out before I dropped the differential so I had a way to lock the wheel in place. Would have been easier.

 

[76okievette]

What I had to do was use the parking brake to hold the wheel while I unbolted the half shaft from the hub. It worked pretty good. If you leave the shaft hook to the differental you can also just put the car in gear to hold it still. I had to get up and down for each bolt so that I could rotate the shaft so I could get my socket or wrench on the bolt then get up and go put the break on so I could get the bolt loose. Other than that it was not to bad. Are you going to replace the U-Joints your self or have it done? I took mine to a corvette shop and he replaced all the u-joints for a 100 bucks plus the cost of the joint. It was worth it to me as I don't have the tools to get the u-joints out with out bending the flange. Good luck.