HELP. GMADE GOM rear axle shaft stuck in diff locker.

[JaoQuinz]

Hello!

First post and I have a problem.

Was planning to do the 4WS mod on my GOM, so got ready all the parts and was ready to install.

I was trying to remove the rear axles to put in the CVAs, but the left long shaft wouldn't budge. I had also removed the 2 set screws that connect the trailing arms to the axle as those hold the shaft in when screwed in. I thought it was the bearing, so I WD40ed it and then wiggled it around and it was loosening up. So I pulled hard and it still would not budge.

I then opened up the diff cover to check, and then smothered the opening where the shaft fits into the diff with WD40, hoping it might loosen up. I even slid a steel allen key through the axle hub pin opening for leverage, put it on its side and one foot on the housing and pulled upwards. Bent the steel allen key instead.

I am not sure what is happening, as I checked the manual and it should be an easy slide in and out, no screws holding it in.

Have the shaft just welded itself to the diff locker? Anyone know what I can do short of getting a new whole axle and gearset?

Thanks in advance.

[King Dork]

I built a GOM for a friend a couple of years back, and if my memory serves me correctly you have to remove the screws that go through the axle housing that hold the lower shock mounts on. I believe the shaft won’t slide out if those screws are left in. I could be off base with this but I’d try that.

[HumboldtEF]

I'd try using a penetrating oil and letting it soak in for a while, maybe spray it in from the left end of the axle housing so it flows towards the spool.

Once its soaked a bit try to round up a long rod or something you can slide into the axle housing from the opposite side and tap on the end of the axle shaft, this rod will need to fit through the spool.

You might also try wiggling the shaft with some vice grips while holing the ring gear in place, you may be able to break it loose.

Or if you can somehow find or rig up a tiny slide hammer that can grab on the axle.

[JaoQuinz]

Originally Posted by King Dork

I built a GOM for a friend a couple of years back, and if my memory serves me correctly you have to remove the screws that go through the axle housing that hold the lower shock mounts on. I believe the shaft won’t slide out if those screws are left in. I could be off base with this but I’d try that.

Hi! I know which screws you mean, and i had already taken those off. Its definitely seizing at the diff locker.

I even removed the 4 screws that hold the ring gear to the diff locker housing so I can get better access with the WD40 spray straw and drenched it. Not budging yet.

[JaoQuinz]

Originally Posted by HumboldtEF

I'd try using a penetrating oil and letting it soak in for a while, maybe spray it in from the left end of the axle housing so it flows towards the spool.

Once its soaked a bit try to round up a long rod or something you can slide into the axle housing from the opposite side and tap on the end of the axle shaft, this rod will need to fit through the spool.

You might also try wiggling the shaft with some vice grips while holing the ring gear in place, you may be able to break it loose.

Or if you can somehow find or rig up a tiny slide hammer that can grab on the axle.

Is it possible to tap at the end of the axle from the other side? I looked down the other side and it looks like its does not go though. If I tap it from the opposite side, it will be tapping the entire diff locker instead of the axle, if you know what I mean.

[HumboldtEF]

Most spools are hollow but you are correct the stock Gom spool is not. I just checked my parts bag and had a unused one.

[JaoQuinz]

Originally Posted by HumboldtEF

You might also try wiggling the shaft with some vice grips while holing the ring gear in place, you may be able to break it loose.

Or if you can somehow find or rig up a tiny slide hammer that can grab on the axle.

Well after rereading your suggestions, I took a vice grip and wrapped it about the shaft perpendicular to the axle, then hammered it as hard as I could, and after about 5 or 6 hits, the shaft finally popped out.

But not before I bit the bullet and got a whole new axle and gears hardware set. So now I have an entire spare rear axle. Never a bad thing to have spares around in RC.

Anyways, the 4WS steering mod went flawlessly and I'm happy with the result. Pretty straighforward. Might as well share some pictures.



https://youtu.be/IDZ_4m7-xiw

Looking forward to having fun with the GOM now. Thank you both for the suggestions!

[savageasflux]

Looking good, glad you got it figured out. Had the same thing happen to me while camping up in the mountains, needed real tools at home to fix like you did. 😭😭

Post some vids once you get it out on the trail having fun, I want to do the same thing with my GOM.
👍