Hub nut welded

[Brocky61]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anybody has ever come across their hub nut being welded in place by a previous owner? Just started the work to replace my rear offside wheel bearing and found that the hub nut is completely rusted and appears welded in place. It appears to have originally been a 6 point nut, which I believe is non standard anyway, with 30mm 12 point being standard. I am now beyond the point of no return as I've been carefully trying to use a Dremel to cut through it which doesn't seem to work as it's welded all around so shows no sign of coming off. I've used an induction heater over the nut which made no diference whatsoever.

I'm now thinking I'm going to have to angle grind through the hub, bearing and cv shaft to get the thing off which seems a bit drastic and I'm not sure who could provide a new CV shaft; checked autocs and a few others and they don't have any, so... stuck!

Is there anyone who can help?

Many thanks in advance

 

[Pingu]

That is quite impressive butchery

 

[Delk]

That looks like something special.

I thought the nut was six point but don't remember to be honest. Doesn't really matter as that looks screwed no matter what you do. I think your only choice is to remove it by any means necessary and replace everything.

I thought autodocs had shafts as I ordered some for my 2.8 not long ago. someone on here did a comparison on replacement shafts not long ago. While you are there you should change the wheel bearing also.

 

[GazHyde]

Starting to see more shafts/hubs get to this state of late, and we've cut at least one hub apart to strip down the arm. Not just seeing on Z3's either! Another thing to add to the list of growing Z problems I'm afraid!

 

[IainP]

I would cut the hub to pieces to gain access to the nut, and try and cut it into 3-4 without going all the way through. That way you just may be able to pry it off. If so you may be able to repair the threads.
I have a spare hub you can have. Don’t have any shafts I’m afraid.

 

[Brocky61]

I would cut the hub to pieces to gain access to the nut, and try and cut it into 3-4 without going all the way through. That way you just may be able to pry it off. If so you may be able to repair the threads.
I have a spare hub you can have. Don’t have any shafts I’m afraid.

That would be brilliant. I've accepted I'm going to lose the hub so need a replacement and can't find suppliers online. Let me know how much with post and packing and we'll arrange payment by DM

 

[Brocky61]

Starting to see more shafts/hubs get to this state of late, and we've cut at least one hub apart to strip down the arm. Not just seeing on Z3's either! Another thing to add to the list of growing Z problems I'm afraid!

Do you know of a handy solution?

 

[IainP]

That would be brilliant. I've accepted I'm going to lose the hub so need a replacement and can't find suppliers online. Let me know how much with post and packing and we'll arrange payment by DM

Just pm me an address, not wanting anything for carriage

 

[Brocky61]

Just pm me an address, not wanting anything for carriage

I've PM'd you. What a gent you are, many thanks

 

[Andyboy]

You will have to use a grinder to cut through the hub flange and grind enough of the nut away to be moveable. It's more of a problem on late cars - I've never seen an E36 era car (96-98) as bad. The nut rusts as does the pressed steel lock tab that holds it in place - it just fuses together into one big rotten lump. I had this when dismembering a 2002 car, one of the last Z3's built.

Z3 driveshaft nuts are six point with a shoulder and a mild steel locking plate.

Cutting through the side of the hub as shown here is arduous work and noisy. Chances are you'll ruin the driveshaft although some minor damage to the thread isn't a disaster. What would be a complete PITA would if, after all that work, the driveshaft was rusted solid into the hub flange. The one I did shifted although as the driveshaft threads were too damaged, I went medieval with a lump hammer and a drift.

Sometimes a complete replacement trailing arm and driveshaft is just easier.

I have narrow and wide body hubs and possibly driveshafts - narrow and wide body hubs are different btw. Also reconditioned trailing arms although a cheaper solution is always best.

An excellent offer there by Iain.

 

[Dakar Z3]

Hello,

If you've tried the members and proved to be unsuccessful try Z bitz in Fleetwood,

Contact Greig 07973 186399

 

[Lee]

We had one like this last week, this is just severe corrosion. I used a die grinder to take the nut into the thread one side then down to the shoulder before giving it a clout with a hammer. Process took me around an hour. Will dig out the photos once I'm not at work.