removing wedge bolt rear axle

[merrill]

hello
i pulled both axles today and prepared to somehow remove the wedge bolt.

I situated the the axle so the pinion is pointing up and i can see the wedge bolt.  right hand side tube is parallel to the drivers side.

i cannot get a straight  approach to tap out the wedge bolt,   any tips on how to get that sucker out?

can i swing the axle "up" more to gain access?

[mbzse]

.../... the wedge bolt, any tips on how to get that sucker out?
can i swing the axle "up" more to gain access?

Yes, certainly, you should. Remove the transverse spring to begin with, of course.
For tips on wedge bolt (tapered pin) removal, see these postings:
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27652.msg198978#msg198978

[merrill]

Hans
hi,
thanks for the link,  i saw a note from Joe that mentions swinging the axle up
i will give that a try

any yes the spring is off 

[Shvegel]

Be careful to not put a load on the axle in the up position as you can break the axle housing very easily.  If I were you I would just cut the boot away so you can keep an eye on it.The casting is very thin where the axle goes though the bellows area.  I recommend tapping it out rather than trying to press it out.  I used a hammer and brass drift.  New pins were $125 last time I checked.

[merrill]

well it turns out if you turn the axle over and let the swing arm move past level the bolt for the wedge nut is exposed.

i may try to use an air hammer on the wedge bolt.  of  course leaving the nut on and using something as a buffer between the air hammer and nut/wedge bolt.

[merrill]

well using a brass draft and a small hammer the wedge pin came out after a few firm solid taps.

got to de grease it over night to see if it i can use it again

not on to the axle pivot bar

[merrill]

well after letting the de greaser do its job overnight i was able to inspect the wedge bolt.

unfortunately the threaded portion is bent, i was able to clean up the threads with a die and get the nut to thread on nicely.

i may break down and buy a new one from SLS.  its about $70 U.S.