Mk2 MX5 Driveshaft stuck in hub

[Pugly]

Attempting to change the rear wheel bearing on my 2001 140k mile Mk2 and the hub will not come away as the driveshaft has glued itself in at both ends. (I think - attempted to remove hub on car got nowhere, attempted to remove hub and driveshaft in one, remained fastened in one spot)

Have tried;

- Screw Hub Puller
- Slide Hammer + Hub Puller
- Blow Torch
- Pry bar behind hub flange
- Soaking in Plusgas for 3 days
- BFH on end of driveshaft (old nut + block of wood in way - resulted in several splintered blocks of wood and a mangled driveshaft nut)

With zero movement.

Any advice?

[Oldandslow]

Bigger Hammer? You've tried everything I could think of.

I've never undone a MX5 drive shaft. Are there circlips/retaining clips?

[Oldandslow]

No clips mentioned here but he recommends an air hammer with round tip. If you happen to have one lying about.

http://www.miata.net/garage/axle.html

[AdamIndy]

They are a tt to get out. I ended up using a hydraulic puller on mine. It was a 20 tonne MAC tools one. That shifted it with minimal damage. Failing that, hub and shaft out and take it to an agricultural mechanic. They will have at least a 50 tonne press that will push it out for beer tokens.

[Pugly]

Thanks for the tips guys - neighbour saved the day with a hydraulic puller as mentioned above!

Only thing is, I had the bearing & the wheel carrier pressed in at work and then reassembled as per Haynes manual but I'm not 100% happy;

- Wheel carrier seems to sit further out than before
- Driveshaft Nut isn't as far down the threads
- Attempted to turn wheel on axle stand after reassembly, tight as hell (no handbrake & not in gear) - went for a 2 min drive came back and it now spins freely again.
- No wheel bearing noise (Only about 999 rattles to go then!)

Anyone any clues?

(Ever start a job and regret it??)

[Oldandslow]

Regret starting a job? Almost every time. Ask me about my cracked rib.