'96 Escort Axle Issues

[Bicman3]

I was recently in minor accident where I slid on ice and my front right tire hit a curb and bounced back instead of going over it. I was going about 30 mph. After the accident the front right side of the car was shaking so I took it to a dealer to see exactly what was wrong with it. They told me the front right axle was bent and I needed a new control arm and strut. I then took it to a guy who does mechanic work on the side because it was going to be 1/2 the price. After he replaced all of these things, the car was still shaking only now it was on the front left side. So I gave the car back to the guy who fixed it and he said the left axle needed to be replaced as well. However, when he went to take off the left axle he could not get it off. He has been trying for three days now and still has not been able to take the axle off. Does anyone know what could be causing this jam? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks

[midwayfreak]

I assume the outer splines are stuck in the wheel hub, if your mechanic can't figure out how to take the steering knuckle and axle off as an assembly and press the axle out of the hub, maybe you need another mechanic, if he can't get the nut off just get a 3/4in. drive impact wrench.

[AzTumbleweed]

Have you checked for a bent wheel?

[AzTumbleweed]

P.S. I'm just wondering if your right wheel was bent and it ended up getting moved to the left side. Funny how the vibration changed sides. At any time was both wheels off? They may have been switched.

[casperboy77]

I had a similar problem on my 97 Ford Escort. The left drive axel didn't want to come out and the car had never been in any accident. We pulled so hard on the drive axel it ripped the Inner C.V. joint completely apart. So after about three days and speaking to alot of mechanics at different shops we found the answer. Rent a Slide Hammer and buy a C.V. fork to attach to the slide hammer. Three hits with the slide hammer pulled right out. I took back the tool I rented. Then I returned the C.V. fork attachment told them I didn't need it so it didn't cost anything. If you live near an AutoZone their loan a tool program is awesome. You pay to rent the tool, when you return the tool you get all your money back. AutoZone didn't have that fork attachment though, I had to goto another part place to get one. Here is a picture of the tool (Mine only cost $14.99 though, free after I returned it): http://www.all-tool.com/BY_MASTER_CA...b_tools_20.htm

[Arnoldtheskier]

Good Post! there Casper..

Some people reccomend hammerring on the END of these axle shaft splines to free it from the knuckle.THINKING that they can hold the shaft at the same time and stop it from moving inward.
This is smart as what often happens is that the hammerring OF COURSE drives the shaft inward..sometimes breaking off the snap ring..OR the trans hsng..where the ring or seal sits.

Take a read of the ad for puller attachments and they TELL you what often happens with this hammer method.

Slide hammer with attachments..2 thumbs up!