Broken rear axle, whats the easiest way to get the broken piece out of the diff?

[Daniel Bristow]

Hi all, I have just bought a 80 series full time 4x4 LC. I bought it not going as the guy i got it off said it needed wheel bearings. turns out the axle in passenger rear of diff is broken. This is my first 4x4 so i dont know much about them. does anyone know of an easy way to get the rest of the axle out without pulling the diff. al i have is a max ellerys workshop manual and its not very helpfull. i have the Brakes, Hub, ect off but cant get the rest of the shaft out. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

It depends where the shaft is broken, if its at the splined end the diff can be taken out and the remaining shaft pulled out. If its at the flange end it can be pulled out without the diff being removed. If its somewhere between you will have to use some ingenuity as you cant knock the shaft out from the other side.
Hope this helps.

Andy

 

[Bat21]

If all else fails, remove the whole axle and just tip the broken piece out. It's not a huge job to remove the axle, 7 bolts, the brake pipe and hand brake cable.

If you do decide to drop just the diff, don't position your body directly under the diff as when it drops (and drop it will), it will pin you to the ground like a heavy weight wrestler.... don't ask me how I know this

 

[cavanmick]

Strong magnet on a brush handle has been known to work too.

 

[Ben]

There is a tool available (marketed primarily at lamerover owners) for removing broken half shafts.

http://foundry4x4.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=75

 

[Chris]

x 2 for magnets. I have rescued Landies that way.

 

[frank rabbets]

I was lucky if it was just a 1/2 shaft bust on my morris minor. It was usually the whole diff carrier shattered by dropping the clutch at the lights. But if it was we turned the car on it's side to get the broken piece out.