I could have been wrong about the socket size of the TypeII/Vanagon axle
nut. From my days selling foreign auto parts, I recall it as being 42mm,
but 46mm is certainly possible.

My ETKA 5 CD shows this axle nut as an M30x1 size, which is for the
threads, not the external dimensions.

Dan

Jeanne Maly wrote:

>  Isn't it a 46 mm axle tool? Jeanne
>
>      ----- Original Message -----
>      From: Daniel Schmitz
>      To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>      Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2000 3:04 PM
>      Subject: Re: Huge Nut on Rear Drum
>       42mm, I think. Type 1 VW's (bugs) used a 36mm nut, Type IIs
>      and Vanagons use a 42mm version of same.
>
>      Actually, you may not be able to get it off with just a
>      socket and ratchet. It's supposed to be on with a couple
>      hundred ft/lbs of torque. Unless you have a large breaker
>      bar and can exert sufficient leverage, you may need to get
>      the special tool that is designed to loosen these. This is a
>      special flattened, 1/2" drive steel socket having an
>      extension with two flat sides on it designed for hammering
>      on. You place it over the axle nut, place a ratchet or
>      breaker bar in the 1/2" drive, and while pressing down on
>      the ratchet you simultaneously hammer on the flat side to
>      break the nut free. I believe these are simply called axle
>      nut removers, and any VW parts place or large FLAPS should
>      carry them. All Type IIs and Vanagons use an axle nut to
>      retain the hub, so you should be able to find one.
>
>      Not sure, though, why the hub has to be loosed to get the
>      drum off. Even if you have grooves worn in your drum,
>      backing off the brake shoes, using a rust dissolver and
>      tapping the drum with a mallet should loosen it.
>
>      Dan
>
>      Gary Stearns wrote:
>
>     > I will very soon need to replace rear brake on our '88
>     > GL.   A few days ago I checked the Bentley, took a rear
>     > wheel off to consider how big a job this was going to be.
>     > Bentley says the rear hub castellated nut has to come off
>     > to get the drum off.  Seems unecessary, but also seems no
>     > way to get a drum puller around the edges of the drum.
>     > OK, what size socket do I need.  Geeeez, this thing
>     > measures 45mm!  (clatter of sockets being pushed around in
>     > the toolbox) I don't see one of those in here!  My largest
>     > socket is 24mm.  Went to 2 FLAPS (Hey Tony! You ever see a
>     > 45mm socket?) and a Sears.  FLAPS can order it for me from
>     > a specialty tool company for $55.  No, I'll check with The
>     > List first.   Do I need this blammit thing?  Can one be
>     > had cheaper? Thanks - Gary
>
>      --
>      Dan
>      __________________________________________________
>      Dan Schmitz - Genentech Automation Engineering
>      djs@gene.com (650) 225-6119
>      __________________________________________________
>
>      "I'll so offend to make offense a skill
>      Redeeming time when men least think I will"
>
>      W. Shakespeare
>      Henry IV, Part 1
>
>
--
Dan
__________________________________________________
Dan Schmitz - Genentech Automation Engineering
djs@gene.com (650) 225-6119
__________________________________________________

"I'll so offend to make offense a skill
Redeeming time when men least think I will"

W. Shakespeare
Henry IV, Part 1

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