Hi,

It was time to do a knuckle overhaul on my 77 FJ-40 (the caliper on the driver side was pack with grease <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> ). Now I'm stuck with two cone washer from the bottom dowel that won't come out <IMG SRC="smilies/crybaby2.gif" border="0"> I tried Liquid Wrench, brass drift and 4lb hammer, cold chisel. Those darn things won't move a bit <IMG SRC="smilies/pissed.gif" border="0"> and they start to look bad with all the cold chisel work I did on them.

What's next??? C4 plastic, propane torch, <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">

Please help a poor soul on the verge of insanity <IMG SRC="smilies/crybaby2.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/crybaby2.gif" border="0">

If the brass drift and a big hammer don't do the trick, I usually thread a nut back on and smack the studs with a hammer. This transfers more energy to the stud since the brass drift is not soaking some of it up. You can also try to tap the side of the bearing cap or steering arm to see if that will work them loose. Keep at it. Good luck.

Since they are both on the bottom, pull the top arm, the birfield and persuade the bottom cap to come out (along with the cone washers) using a drift and BFH from the top.

I like to get a fine flat head and angle it to fit right in the crack in the cone washer and tap it sideways, that will usually break it free. Always has for me anyways.

Yep, use the small driver like Brody said. I have always hade success with this method.

This is Oh so simple, just smack the side of the knuckle really hard with a hammer (brass) and it will pop right out. Thats how they were designed to come out. "PoP" <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

Jeff

yup, I would say wack the side of the cap or arm with a fat hammer. the shock usually rattles them loose. WACK! WACK! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

OR....actually....If all you are doing is a knuckle overhaul.......pull your top arm, remove the wiper and dust seal from the back of the knuckle, remove the c-clip from the end of your birf,....and.....rock the knuckle back (making sure the top knuckle bearing stays behind and isnt catching anything) and it should pop right off without disturbing the lower cap the birf and inner axle should stay behind inside the housing.
you can actually do this without disturbing your brakes lines, wheel bearings or spindle.

also an exelent way of swaping birfs on the trail. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Yeeah!!! <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/bounce2.gif" border="0"> They finally came off.

Here's a six pack <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">

Thanks again guys. The road to Cruiser heaven wouldn't be the same without all the suuport from this group.