With time those axle nuts get set in place and will require much more torque
to loosen then needed to install. A breaker bar of any size does not always
work. If you have an air compressor a nice 3/4 impact wrench will usually
remove the nuts. If not then what you want is known as a striking wrench. A
number of tool suppliers/VW places have them. I have a KD tools that has
provision for a 1/2 " breaker bar and smacking it with a 3 lb. hammer will
always get these loose. The drive lets me use it to re-install with torque
wrench.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Don Hanson
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2011 9:25 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Harbor Freight 3/4" drive breaker bar?

  I see HF sells one for under $20.  Has anyone used one of these to remove
and replace the rear axle nut on a Vanagon without breaking it?  The ad copy
says it is guaranteed for 750 ft/lbs of torque...

  Anyway, I broke another 1/2" drive (from Harbor Freight, actually) trying
to loosen the axle nut, so now I am going to get a 3/4" drive like everyone
told me to do.  My nearest HF is an hr away, so I don't want to waste my
time if the wrench is likely to break anyhow...

  Thanks, Don Hanson