2009 Tacoma 4X4 Axle nut removal

I'm changing my front hub/bearing assembly this weekend. Since I haven't done this job before I have one question. Will the axle nut spin the drive shaft while I'm attempting to remove it? If so, what are some tips for easy removal and to keep it from spinning. I'm doing this job alone.

 

Put it in 4 low and keep the opposite wheel on the ground. With the other wheels on the ground the power train will absorb the torque.

 

It's helpful if it's in 4WD and the other front wheel is on the ground and chocked. I did both sides at the same time and had both sides in the air-amatuer mistake on my part. Had to wedge a large open ended wrench from the wheel studs to the ground in order to keep things from spinning. OEM lug wrench would work too. I used a long 3/4" breaker bar, and with the leverage against the wheel/floor damn near lifted the corner I was working on off the jackstands.

 

35mm socket for that nut btw. Also we stuck a crow bar through the studs and held it still.

 

I think I slid a fat screwdriver into one of the vents on the brake rotor and used a breaker bar to loosen my axle nut. Another method I've seen is, take the wheel off, pop out the center cap of the rim, put the wheel back on, lower the truck back onto the ground (now with the wheel back on) and break the nut loose. That method takes longer, but it'll work. Engaging the front diff works as well.

 

I use my electric impact and I bust that nut no problem.

 

If you have a helper they can hold the brake for you

 

Also an effective method.

 

air impact has always worked even with both tires in the air. To retorque i have someone push the brake pedal as others have said as well.

 

I do this but screw in two lugs to avoid damaging the threads. But Santa brought me an Aircat so I should have enough torque to break free most nuts - that didn't sound right ...

 

I knew I could count on this forum. Thanks for the tips!

 

Pull the old assembly off and installed a set of Blue Pit bearing/hubs. Very straight forward. Only messed up one axle grease cap. Ordered a set from Toyota and will install later. Also, an 18" breaker bar and a 3.5' section of cheater pipe easily took the axle nut off. No impact needed. Again, thanks for the help!

 

I am literally jumping on the breaker bar trying to get the axle nut loose. No dice. Looks like I'll have to take it to a shop. SONOFABITCH!!!!!

 

PB blaster and a long pipe over the handle will get it.

 

It's soaking now. I've done plenty of these, never had one be this much a PITA!

 

Well, can't get it to bust loose even with blaster and a 4ft breaker. Don't want to round it so gonna call around to see if someone can break it loose for me. Oh well, just gotta be patient. I've done a lot of this and never had this happen.

 

50/50 mix of acetone and atf works wonders

 

Try and find someone with an impact before you take it anywhere else?

 

This right here. Easy peasy.

 

Easiest way without a helper is to slide a screwdriver into the inner slots of the rotor so that it wedges against the caliper preventive it from turning.