I need to replace an axle. Need an impact wrench and 32mm socket (for the axle nut). Doesn't have to be soon, but in next few weekends (whichever weekend has the best weather, since I don't have a garage).

If not, I might just shill out the money and buy me one. What are your opinions on this one...

http://www.amazon.com/Ingersoll-Rand-231C-2-Inch-Impact-Wrench/dp/B0002SRM3I/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11PHHNW24YQBO&colid=8TQAGABXVRB0

Any suggestions on a compressor?

4/26/2010 1:23:01 PM

I've got an impact wrench, but I hate the noise. I prefer to use a six foot pipe on a breaker bar.

If you want to break axle nuts you need a quality wrench and a big ass air compressor. A pipe is cheaper.



Here's a tip. If you can get the wheel center cap off, break the axle nut loose before you jack the car up. Or you can have a friend stand on the brake pedal while you do it.

[Edited on April 26, 2010 at 1:32 PM. Reason : .]

4/26/2010 1:29:02 PM

^ Cool trick... I might just try that.

4/26/2010 1:51:26 PM

I remember when theDuke866 bent a breaker bar trying to get my axle nut loose when we attempted to replace my wheel bearing.

4/26/2010 2:58:28 PM

Quote :

"Here's a tip. If you can get the wheel center cap off, break the axle nut loose before you jack the car up. Or you can have a friend stand on the brake pedal while you do it."

i could have used that tip when i changed my bearing hub

i had to use a pipe + breaker bar on the axle nut and the handle of an adjustable wrench wedged in between two wheel bolts with another pipe over that wrench to get enough leverage.

4/27/2010 11:44:13 PM

I've had that same impact wrench for about a year now, I bought it because it was Ingersoll and thought it would "decimate" my craftsman professional....it doesn't, I actually think its weaker I use a 26 gallon, 150 psi max Craftsman compressor. They run deals at Sears where you get a crappy impact, a OK air ratchet, a good coiled air hose, and a couple odds and ends and the compressor for about $300. Deal of the century, no problems so far, except the crappy impact they gave me broke on the 3rd use (the trigger was some plastic deal that I can probably fix)

4/28/2010 4:47:05 AM

Forgot to mention, your impact driver is only as good as the sockets you use. They need to be the black, six-sided type(unless you have a volkwagen, they require twelve pointed) and fit tightly. Any slop in the socket or the extensions really cuts down on their effectiveness.

4/28/2010 9:28:17 AM

Only the seriously badass impact drivers can get the torque necessary for really tough stuff.

4/28/2010 11:21:36 AM

Installed new axle this weekend. All went well. Took about 3 hours. Next time around it should take even less time. Breaker bar + long piece of pipe (my hydraulic jack handle) worked perfect for getting axle nut off. Longest part was figuring out how to angle the hub and suspension parts so I could pull out the axle.

5/10/2010 3:35:14 PM