Rep Power: 0

Hello:

I am trying to replace the lower ball joints on my gf's Honda Civic.
I took off the wheel, but can't get the wheel nut to budge:


I tried using the bar from my hydraulic jack to extend my socket wrench handle.
I tried using an impact wrench.
I used WD-40.
I just can't get the nut to turn.

I did not see anything that is keeping the nut in place, like a retaining clip or anything.
I was turning counter-clockwise, which I assume is the correct direction.

Anyone have any ideas what I am doing wrong?

Thanks,
Neil

 
Rep Power: 195

I find a 3' pipe in the end of the breaker bar and a couple hundred pounds of me standing on it usually works.

 
Rep Power: 519

Lefty-loosey?
Ingersoll-Rand Impact?
Heat?
Leverage!


BTW: Looks like the wrong nut, I don't see the thin strip that is supposed to be hammered into the slot to lock it in place. Shouldn't matter right now though.......BUT Are the threads mangled on the axle stub?

Screwdriver through a slot in the rotor to keep it from rotating while you dangle from your 6-foot cheater pipe?

Put the tire back on and set it on the ground and jam all the brakes on to keep the thing from turning while you dangle from your 6-foot cheater pipe?

Breaker bar against the ground, let the engine/trans spin the hub? (dangerous)


Still can't get it apart? Maybe it's a sign....

 
Rep Power: 0

I guess turning it counter-clockwise is the correct rotation.

I am not sure if the threads are mangled. Its not visible.

I will try putting some penetrating stuff on it and leave it overnight to see if that helps to loosen it.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 
Rep Power: 210

i used a 6 foot breaker bar and mine came off pretty easy,

i was going to say the same thing ezone did, thats the wrong nut, no safety on it which is very dangerous, maybe there is a reason why somebody couldnt use the proper nut?

 
Rep Power: 201

Ya wrong nut, doesn't matter at this point, but replace it if you get it off. Weak impact or cross threaded are my guesses. If all else fails split the nut and may have to replace a banged up axle shaft too.

 
Rep Power: 195

I had one I couldn't get off. I ended up going to a repair shop and just having them take it off with an impact wrench. Took a few minutes to break it loose. They didn't even charge me for it.

 
Rep Power: 0

Yeah -- that nut should have a lip that stakes into the slot on the axle... whoever swapped that axle last time may have mangled the nut and found a substitute that fit, and impacted it into place. Time for some PB Blaster and perhaps some heat, with aforementioned long pipe and methods...

WEAR YOUR SAFETY GLASSES if you have to get even remotely close to standing on the bar to get it to budge -- cheap ratchets explode all the time, so try to use a real breaker and six-point socket with your pipe extension.

 
Rep Power: 0

I got a 3/4 inch socket and a long breaker bar. I used the handle from my hydraulic jack and finally got the nut to come loose.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

Neil