any tips on removing the axle nut?

 

I assume you're talking about the rear end of the car, right?

You're going to need either an impact gun or a big breaker bar to get it off. Then the first thing to do is to undo the stake in the nut a bit. You dont have to totally flatten it back out, just try to get a screwdriver under there and ease it back a bit. While the stake will help the nut from coming undone by itself, it doenst provide all that much resistance really... Finally, I'd reccomend first loosening the nut with the wheel still on the car.. touching the ground, and parking brake on. The car being in gear is not enough resistance to get the nut off. You'll just start turning the engine over...

Have fun!

-jason keeney

 

Yes- parking brake on, in gear, with someone standing on the brakes. Break torque, then get the thing lifted up and off of the car.

This would be a good time to find a 3/4" or 1" breaker bar. You will likely twist the head off of a 1/2" with more than 2' of "cheater." Impact grade sockets and adapter (if you go 3/4) is a good idea.

I found a 1" breaker from Napa with an 18" long handle, it's managed fine with 3' of cheater on it before. Works great!