Stuck spindle nut keyway

[Bradwarthan1]

Hi all

New here. I’m changing brake rotors and trying to remove the spindle nut. I think the keyway is stuck far far in the nut here. Any thoughts on how to remove?

 

[1.8TTony]

Damn......you're going to have to cut a slot on the edge of the nut big enough to dig that keyway out.......then buy a new nut and possibly a new keyway. I wonder how it got so far in there? I wonder if the keyway previously broke and someone installed it that way.

 

[Turdle]

So, a dentist would first try to drill a hole in the root, the thread a device in. I'd try a small screw, wrap head with wire, and jerk very quickly. Turn the nut to the spot the key feels loosest after drilling hole.

 

[410Fortune]

use brake clean
use a pick
and then try a magnet

Also make sure the large outer nut is in the middle of the "travel" so there is no friction on the keyway
It actually looks normal, they can be a pita to get out, but with brake clean a pick and a strong magnet I always get them out

You should consider converting to manual hubs

 

[Bradwarthan1]

use brake clean
use a pick
and then try a magnet

Also make sure the large outer nut is in the middle of the "travel" so there is no friction on the keyway
It actually looks normal, they can be a pita to get out, but with brake clean a pick and a strong magnet I always get them out

You should consider converting to manual hubs

All thank you so much!!! I’ll try this method first

 

[ChildIdenticant]

The more prudent answers already given; if you have a stick welder you can intentionally stick-stuck a rod, will give you a very decent purchase on it. would require the opposing electrodeto be carefully touching only the key as well.
Yes, can also be done with the battery, but don't do it.

 

[feedthemonkey]

I'm new too. And doing this SAME project today. The trick for me was to move the nut (that the key is locking) *just a tad*. wiggle wiggle. That loosened things up, and the key came right out. Your depth looks exactly like mine.

 

[BKennedy]

That's how it works. Wiggle, use a pick and a magnet. Wouldn't use a welder. No way to not get spatter on the threads.

 

[410Fortune]

the dana 35 spindle was discontinued many years ago
if you do find them to buy they are $550+ each
so I spent some time in the yards grabbing as many good ones as I could with good clean threads
You get really good at the little keyway doing that in the junk yard

Works every time the method I posted