Roll pin removal

[xj1991xj]

Ok, so I need to pull the front axles on my baby, an '83 GL wagon. Problem is those long roll pins that need to come out. Do I really need to hunt down and buy a special punch to get those suckers out, or is there a good way to improvise?

[Qman]

It's not a special punch. It is a standard 3/16" punch. You can look for the equivalent size in metric as well. There are special pin punches that have a relief at the end as well. You should use the right tool for this job though. It will save hours of anguish if you bugger the pin trying to use something else.

[Craven]

Just a hunk of 3/16" steel rod longer than shaft is round should do, they come out fairly easy. Just make sure you drive them out from the dimple side of the shaft.

[75skunkaroo]

i used a screwdriver and a rock last time i was at the pap

 

-mike

[MorganM]

It's not a special punch. It is a standard 3/16" punch. You can look for the equivalent size in metric as well. There are special pin punches that have a relief at the end as well. You should use the right tool for this job though. It will save hours of anguish if you bugger the pin trying to use something else.

Don't forget to get the roll punch (perfect cylinder shaft and completly flat tip) and not a taiperd (taipering shaft and cone tip) or you'll be hating life! If she doesnt come out fairly easy double check to make sure you are pounding the right end of the pin and its plenty lubed up They really do just slip on out with the proper punch and tap of the BFH

[boing]

I have nightmare stories about taking that roll pin out but... make sure you are driving it out from the right side. (Mark the dimple and shaft side because it may get turned around later). Take my advise.. don't smack on the punch too hard. Just take your time and tap it a bit at a time til it comes all the way out.

 

It's also a very good idea to replace that roll pin EVERY time you change half shafts. boing

[Sweet82]

Where do you get replacement roll pins?

 

What size are they?

 

Inquiring minds want to know!

 

Glenn,

82 SubaruHummer, roll pins half in...or are they half out??? (guess I should pound them all the way in....)

01 Forester, "what are roll pins?"

[MilesFox]

i always re-use the stock pins as long as they came out easily and didnt booger up. actually, some of the more difficult pins i have removed were NOT o.e. subaru pins

[boing]

All three of my books say "never use the old roll pin" although I know many people do I really think you'd be better off with a new one. to find a new one just go to any parts house that sells the halfshaft with the pin in the box and have them sell you one just like it. I can't remember the size and if I remember right the book was wrong about the size (the one on my disc manual is too small). Soooooooby dealers have them in stock too.

 

using a non-tapered end punch can save you from Rollpin Hell.

boing

 

If somebody will show me how to insert the rollpin picture that I uploaded here I'll show you one that took a whopppping 6 hours to remove.

[boing]

here's a picture of a damaged roll pin that doesn't look too bad but caused havac .

[baccaruda]

i'll second or third the right tools recommendation. I once "lost" an LSD at the JY because I forgot my punch and tried using a screwdriver instead. One roll pin came out, the other ate my screwdriver. came back later with the punch and the LSD (and the axle for that side, hehe) were gone. Using a caveman hammer (big rock) is acceptable as long as you grunt a lot during use. I've done that a couple times when I didn't have Mr. Happy (5 pound sledge).