Attex sprocket tubes

[rturner]

Anyone tried a portapower to remove sprocket tubes from 400 chief ? any ideas to get mine loose ? really dont want to heat or torch.

[Mike]

Portapowers can be helpful but you have to be careful that you don't push the frame out. If the sprockets are really rusted / stuck then the frame may move easier than the sprocket (assuming that the other end of the portapower is against the frame). I would try it carefully but if that doesn't work, use the torch. You can put some sheet metal in the bottom of the tub or even some water to keep from heating the plastic. You can also try a slide hammer on the hub of the axle.

If all else fails, just cut the axle and then press it out of the sprocket once you have it out of the machine. Then when you put a new axle back in, use liberal amounts of anti-seize and you shouldn't have that problem again if you ever have to take it back apart.

[mustangwagz]

Portapowers can be helpful but you have to be careful that you don't push the frame out. If the sprockets are really rusted / stuck then the frame may move easier than the sprocket (assuming that the other end of the portapower is against the frame). I would try it carefully but if that doesn't work, use the torch. You can put some sheet metal in the bottom of the tub or even some water to keep from heating the plastic. You can also try a slide hammer on the hub of the axle.

If all else fails, just cut the axle and then press it out of the sprocket once you have it out of the machine. Then when you put a new axle back in, use liberal amounts of anti-seize and you shouldn't have that problem again if you ever have to take it back apart.

Yah, cut it out man, then get a new axle, its WAY better to do it this way. If you can get bearings off, and outta the way, cut the axle as close to tube as possible, Heat that Mother F-er up HOTTTT!!! But dont support the assembly by the sprocket, support it by the TUBE with a bearing puller and push on the axle itself..i had A-LOT of pressure on mine before it popped free. It was Insane!!

[6 WHEELS OR BUST]

Man i just removed a set of sprockets and axles from an ole hustler 950 & it was bad. PB Blaster would not phase the rust holding the sprocket tubes, had to cut the left center axle out, then bent one of the sprockets trying to press the shaft out on a 20 ton press. The left front axle still has the pin in it, had to cut the tube & sprocket into four pieces to remove that axle. NIGHTMARE! PS good luck.

[Dan67]

Slide hammer is the way to go. I bought one when I tore down my Hustler and when I did a bearing replacement on my Argo.