stripping rear axle to check internals

[ash]

Tried getting the diff housing off today and it wouldnt budge even after a couple of smacks with a hammer. any info on stripping would be good as don't know where to begin.

[andyrennison]

Youi trying to separate the two halves? Take care with the hammer, the ally can be fragile. Use lots of WD40, and be patient. I recall ending up putting the nuts back onto the studs and GENTLY tapping them to drive the cases apart. Took a fair time.

[ash]

I don't have to take the tubes out or any think like that do I

[terry t]

I don't have to take the tubes out or any think like that do I

No just the nuts holding the alloy diff together. drain the oil out first as it can get messy

[Olds]

Unless you intend on replacing the tubes, for gods sake don't try to separate them from the housings. Only strip a reliant axle if you think there is something wrong with it.

[morrag]

Deffinitely! as per Olds, DO NOT remove axle tubes from diff. casings unless absolutely essential, as the age of the aluminium casings lead to age hardening and hence embrittlement, so you run a very real risk of cracking same during removal and/or refitting. If shortening is required, cut and liner is the safest way to go, Morrag