Proshaft front drive shaft rebuild in progress. Working on centering ball housing. The old ball has been removed but the ring is still firm inside the housing. Ive been trying to pry it out with a special hook but no luck.

 

The only thing I have had luck with, was heating the outside enough for it to expand and then using the pick. They do make a puller that expands, but don't know if it would get any bite on the valley in the race. Something like a pilot bearing puller.

 

Yes. My solution is 100% effective....buy the 198 dollar rebuilt shaft from Lucky8. Hahaha. Works every time! Some things aren't worth the struggle. I have two spare shafts I carry one on my long treks. But the rebuilt unit is worth every penny.

 

I used a slide hammer and an inner race puller. I was able to get them as a loner from Pepboys. The inner race puller screws on the the end of the slide hammer.


https://www.pepboys.com/parts/tools/

5 Lb. Slide Hammer
view tool 27033

Pilot Bearing Puller Attachment
view tool 27059

 

The only way I've had any luck is with a dremel and a chisel. Cut an angled slot and chisel it out. Trying to pull it out has been tedious and frustrating for me.

 

There you have it. Get a torch, dremel, chisel and a puller.

 

I don't want to worry you, but I tried a slide hammer with mine and it wouldn't budge. Took it to a machine shop, and they tried a bunch of things. Turned out it had welded itself to the meat of the shaft over time, and I had to scrap it and get a new shaft.

I've never heard of anyone else having this issue, though.

 

This is sorta what I did. I very carefully used a cutting wheel in a dremel to slice the ring, then carefully popped it loose with a punch or maybe a chisel.

Huge, huge pain in the ***.

 

This project was a no go. Threw out both drive shafts and will be driving around in 2WD for a short duration of time. Tom Woods multiple double cardan drive shaft coming soon. May even take this time to upgrade my rear drive shaft; although the rear shaft has been problem free. But cant go wrong with a beefier drive train.

 

I don't blame you too much. Rebuilding the front shaft, especially the stock one, is a pretty big PITA, and I've rebuilt several driveshafts in my past. I'd suggest anyone who isn't a pretty serious DIYer just pay a shop to do it. Just make d@mn sure they replace the centering ball, as that is what fails and takes out the u-joints, and as this thread shows, they are a pain to replace.