axle nut
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Grand Haven, MI
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Ok so i have a 95 jeep cherokee sport. The wheel bearings and u-joints on the front axle are bad. I had it into the dealership and the quoted me $650. So i went out and bought a 20-gallon air compressor and and impact wrench rated for 550 ft/tq max and the axle nut still wont bugde. Any suggestions?
CF Veteran


Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 44
From: Gainesville GA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Saturate it with PB Blaster for about a week,use heat,or a breaker bar & your body weight.
If that doesn't work,take the 3 12mm (?) bolts on the back side out & take out the entire assembly & replace with a JY unit.
If that doesn't work,take the 3 12mm (?) bolts on the back side out & take out the entire assembly & replace with a JY unit.
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 0
From: Williston, North Dakota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I had the same problem with a bolt while replacing the front bumper and after a week of PB blaster every day it still wouldn't budge. I tried heating it and nothing so I got this stuff called freeze off and froze it and after about 3 times of freezing it then heating it it finally broke loose. I got it at Oriellys.
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CF Veteran

Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,493
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From: Chickamauga Ga.
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Spray it with your favorite penetrating oil, and work the oil in by tapping the nut with a hammer, repeat the process a couple times, heat it with whatever torch you have it doesn't need to be red hot, it will come loose eventually.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,522
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: l6 HO
I had the same problem with a bolt while replacing the front bumper and after a week of PB blaster every day it still wouldn't budge. I tried heating it and nothing so I got this stuff called freeze off and froze it and after about 3 times of freezing it then heating it it finally broke loose. I got it at Oriellys.
CF Veteran


Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 44
From: Gainesville GA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I wouldn't tap on the nut it could mar it & you may not be able to get a socket on it.Get a cheap socket that fits & beat the **** out of the socket with a BFH.Spray with ________ & repeat untill the bolt is out.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Dubuque IA,Libertyville IL
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
an easy way that i found works for this, is put just tire back on and set on ground. put your socket and breaker bar with a pipe on it. set it up correctly and drive in reverse very slowly with someone watching the socket and breaker bar. works just about every time.
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Hot/cold will be good for it. There are also penetrating oils stronger than PB Blaster. Liquid Wrench Super Penetrant and Kroil come to mind. Apparently acetone + ATF mix is beastly
CRC actually:
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 12,692
Likes: 6
From: Mercer County, NJ
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
I love liquid wrench. Mopar even came out with a new PO. Stuff bubbles on contact. Not sure what they put in it but it does work for sure
Member

Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 203
Likes: 10
From: Vancouver, BC
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
You need to go to a heavy duty truck shop and ask if one of the guys can zap the nut off with a 3/4" or 1" impact gun. Then just do it back up and finish the job at home.


