Hub spreader tool

[matfennell]

Hey

today my and couple of friends tried lowering the car (both have done it on different cars)

got so far on RDS but we couldnt get the part off without the hub spreader tool

ive heard from many people use a screwdriver or similar but we tried that extensively and as the car is 8 years old and everything is rusted and stuck totally in place there is no way it will come off without this tool.

if anyone has one which i can borrow for this job it would be very much appreciated

any help of tips let me know



thanks

 

[RUM4MO]

I've tried using "flat" screwdriver bits - but they tend to be very brittle (so might just break) or very unstable when rotated (ie the wide bit is a lot wider than the narrow bit and the rise from narrow to wide is very fast) so you end up with the bit slipping and disappearing a lot!! Try to use a bit of some sort that is wide enough on its narrow part to just fit into the gap and have a slight rise to the wider section that should only be wide enough to open the hub up. The proper tool is essentially a rectangular bit with four sharp corners, so its very stable when moving from "shut" to "open". Have a look on the Laser Tools site for a picture (kit has two sizes for two applications) - Halfords will order it in for you as they are agents for Tool Connections.

 

[wedgie27]

dude, I just bashed the **** out of it!!

Damn it was hard work!!

 

[matfennell]

will look mate cheers and wont be able to have another go for about a week and i dont have a full free day without car to do it in

 

[techie]

Or a dealer can order you a genuine one, iirc its not that expensive.

 

[matfennell]

dude, I just bashed the **** out of it!!

Damn it was hard work!!

how long did it take cos we were doing tht for about 30 mins and we think we saw about 5mm difference but wernt sure whether it was jsut the wd40 cleaning that little bit.

but christ its hard aint it!

 

[matfennell]

i dont really want to buy one though lol does noone on here have one they would be kind enough to lend?

 

[techie]

Its difficult as you have the driveshaft, wishbone and tie rod all working against you.

I still find it far quicker when doing suspension to drop the whole strut off with the hub, slide the hub off on the deck then build up and refit.

Did my coil overs in an hour, but then its not exactly my first set and a ramp and airgun makes so much difference.

 

[matfennell]

Its difficult as you have the driveshaft, wishbone and tie rod all working against you.

I still find it far quicker when doing suspension to drop the whole strut off with the hub, slide the hub off on the deck then build up and refit.

Did my coil overs in an hour, but then its not exactly my first set and a ramp and airgun makes so much difference.

come do mine? pleaseeeee lol

pint in it for u

 

[mazzerati]

dude, I just bashed the **** out of it!!

Damn it was hard work!!

Haha good lad I did too! Hammer and a alloy punch and wd40!

 

[wedgie27]

mart! fitted my spacers today, lookin sweet! need to remove rear adjuster cups on sunday now!! looks so much better.

Also fitted new sticker in rear using your rather fabulous choice of word! 'unique' haha

Sorry to hi-jack your thread mat.........but just be persistant with it!

it will all pay off in the end!

 

[wedgie27]

will get pics up of it lowered in the week. needs a damn good clean.....got the missus to clean the inside of the rear alloys today lol!

 

[RUM4MO]

To get one of these tools without leaving home, check on ebay for "LASER 3396 STRUT NUT TOOL" - there is one there now - though the Laer Tools site is worth a browse if you have the time and money!!!

 

[Ash_238]

Its all about the cold chisel. (The type builders use). I used it to spread the hub apart & worked a treat. I lightly greased the bottom of the struts also so they slide back in easier & helps aid removal if I ever had to do the job again.

The hub spreader tool does seem a good idea though.

 

[RUM4MO]

Its all about the cold chisel. (The type builders use). I used it to spread the hub apart & worked a treat. I lightly greased the bottom of the struts also so they slide back in easier & helps aid removal if I ever had to do the job again.

The hub spreader tool does seem a good idea though.

None of mine wanted to "behave" so I went for the real thing, one point is, if you attempt to "over" open the split in the hub then its new parts time - all for the cost of the correct tool - ouch!

BTW, that picture is "wrong" Snap-on selling builder's tools - no no no! Also, I'd grid off these feathered ends could cause a nasty!

 

[Ash_238]

None of mine wanted to "behave" so I went for the real thing, one point is, if you attempt to "over" open the split in the hub then its new parts time - all for the cost of the correct tool - ouch!

BTW, that picture is "wrong" Snap-on selling builder's tools - no no no! Also, I'd grid off these feathered ends could cause a nasty!

Well mine worked like a dream. I spreaded the hub open just enough & tapped the hub downwards with the strut still attached to the body.

Its a cold chisel, thats all I needed to demonstrate. For Snap On to make them is just a different matter.

The one I used was pretty blunt, so quite unlikely that it would damage anything.

Like I've mentioned, the spreader tool is more ideal

 

[Slimy]

If you look at this 'how-to', it shows an alternative method;

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4820434

Their use of a 3/8” to 1/4” adapter seems to be a good idea, especially as these kinds of adapters are included in some socket sets. I was tempted to buy the proper tool until I saw that post.

Unfortunately, it might not work for the Ibiza 4 as the post is for a Golf, but there's an awful lot of overlap between VAG cars...

 

[Slimy]

BTW, that picture is "wrong" Snap-on selling builder's tools - no no no! Also, I'd grid off these feathered ends could cause a nasty!

100% agree on both counts, those chisels are in desperate need of a tidy up!!

 

[Edward9th]

I haven't tried this myself, but looking at the chisels, I wonder if 'floorboard' chisels would be better. They're wider and flatter at the business end.

 

[Ash_238]

I haven't tried this myself, but looking at the chisels, I wonder if 'floorboard' chisels would be better. They're wider and flatter at the business end.

This hasn't become a debate about what type of chisel to use has it?

Just use one which looks like it will do a sufficent job! haha.