Need advise on how to remove broken CV spine from inside dif

[glenn_c]

I broke a CV joint on the weekend whilst competing in the Logan Challenge (our team my pajero and two hilux's come second not bad for team with a pajero in it running most of the event with one broken CV).
The left hand CV joint broke close to the spine that goes into the diff so the spine is still in the diff. How to do I remove this without pulling everything out. I have a detroit in the front diff
The only way I can think of removing it is by knocking it out from the other side after, removing right hand CV, removing free wheeling assy complete with axle and housing tube (in one hopefully) remove spacer from centre of detroit and knocking out the broken spine from the right hand side.
Regards Glenn

[NJV6]

If its at all like a normal diff then a strong magnet? I know my cv's just pull out easily....

[hudson44]

Thats what i was going to suggest. Pull the other CV and use a bar smaller than the axle and tap it out.

[glenn_c]

I think the free wheeling assy is a small shaft that goes into the diff with a dog clutch that the right hand axle goes into. So after pulling the right hand cv and axle out I think the free wheeling assy is in the way so I cant just knock the spine out of the left hand side (from right hand side)
Glenn

[hudson44]

Slide hammer?

[Bitsamissin]

Hmmm tough one Glenn.................
If it was a standard diff then no probs just whip off the front cover and you can get at the axle stub to help lever it out.
But a Detroit is a closed centre (at least mine was) so that option is out.
I would try the magnet and levering with a screw driver or if there is a piece protruding out grab it with some vicegrips. Try giving it a tap inwards to break any resistance first. It's only the spring clip holding it in unless the splines have twisted and fused together.
Usually the side gears are made of better material than the axles but the axle splines can twist and sort of lock into the side gears splines.
I had this happen with a rear axle even though the stub stuck out 0.5" or so it just wouldn't come out of the side gear even with the centre on a work bench. Ended up having to remove the ARB locker side gear and press the bugger out. The axle stub splines were mangled but the side gear spline was fine.
I think your correct about the dog clutch - it will be in the way so the only other option is the one you don't want to hear.
Good luck.

[-Scott-]

Drill and tap a thread in the centre? Then add a bolt to give you something to grip?

[Bitsamissin]

Yep good idea just thought of another one a mate did once.
If you have room weld on a T piece to the stub and then yank it out !!!
I reckon there is a market there for a broken axle stub easy out tool