This sucks

[bmwpower603]

I went to change over to my 298M winter wheels today.

And noticed my rear axle nuts are welded to the axle threads. I spent 4 hours, and $100 at Home Depot for a chisel set which is wrecked now, a bigger hammer, sawzall bits, and dremmel grinding wheels. All of which did not help this job.

One of my friends who is a tech said to get an air chisel. Which would work maybe to remove nut. But I cannot see these threads being saved.

Does anyone know if the axle can be removed without having to disconnect exhaust from the down pipe ?

Here’s pics

[Poppyboy]

Geez. Looks like Han Solo in carbon freezing.

[bmwpower603]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Geez. Looks like Han Solo in carbon freezing.

LOL

There is a BMW shop who is pretty confident in getting them off without damaging the threads. But I highly doubt that.

Do you think its still drivable? I mean they are practically welded on.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

That looks brutal...If they can save those threads it would be a true miracle. If it were me I would be breaking out with the Plasma Cutter and air die grinder as I don't see anyway of saving it. Keep us posted if they can save the threads.

[Poppyboy]

I’m sorry to say, but Darth Vader‘s edict notwithstanding, I wouldn’t recommend mounting anything to axles/hubs looking like that.

[bmwpower603]

The shop was able to save the threads.

$330

New axle nuts all the way around.

They told me the method to use next time. A heated coil around the nut until it’s red. Then drill a extractor socket on the axle nut, the try twisting it off.

[Poppyboy]

Great news. Glad to hear you got out of this thing without too much pain!