Final Drive on Knuckle won't come off

[shybuck]

I've decided my front seals and tie rods need replacing. My BX2230 is 20 years old and it's time....But I'm having an awful time trying to separate the final drive from the knuckle. After removing the 6 bolts holding them together the final drive is supposed to almost fall off into your hands, but after looking at You tube videos I'm now understanding the BX2230's final drive was put together without O rings like all other BX's. Mine was put together using Permatex gasket maker from the manufacturer.
I've been pounding with a dead blow hammer right where the fina drive case comes together with the knuckle to no avail. I'm about ready to use something heavier for pounding but am afraid I'd crack the case.
Any help from someone who has removed impossible parts before? Any suggestions I would be grateful to you.

 

[686970]

Try tapping a putty knife in there and see if you get any separation. Then work your way around. Worked for a diff cover.
Also, are you triple damn sure all the bolts are out? I've done that.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yep stiff putty knife to split it.

 

[shybuck]

Try tapping a putty knife in there and see if you get any separation. Then work your way around. Worked for a diff cover.
Also, are you triple damn sure all the bolts are out? I've done that.

I used a cold chisel and hammer going around the seam. Eventually it did separate. Now I get to remove old gasket material.

 

[686970]

I would've been scared to start with a chisel. But you got it. Check real close for dents on the edge where the sealing surfaces meet.

 

[shybuck]

I would've been scared to start with a chisel. But you got it. Check real close for dents on the edge where the sealing surfaces meet.

I would've been scared to start with a chisel. But you got it. Check real close for dents on the edge where the sealing surfaces meet.

Thanks so much for your word on caution. But I did remove it after much more persuasion.
On the other wheel I will start with a caulk knife. Only if I get there. Getting past the C clip
took endurance, patience, and tenacity. Broke one pair of clip ring pliers. You tube makes it look feasible, certainly something I'm capable of. I think the difficulty was the fact that this was never taken apart since it came from the factory 20yrs ago, and has a silicone gasket.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Die grinder and roloc wheels are my go too for gasket removal.

 

[shybuck]

Die grinder and roloc wheels are my go too for gasket removal.

For those who are interested in this, I just found out the difference in a 15$ pair and a 30$ pair of snap ring pliers!! If I had known there WAS any difference in using the two I could have saved a lot of time and frustration. One of the huge improvements is that the 30$ pair don't slip. You can actually grab the C clip and move it all in the grab! Ha, who would have know. I purchased Knipex

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

For those who are interested in this, I just found out the difference in a 15$ pair and a 30$ pair of snap ring pliers!! If I had known there WAS any difference in using the two I could have saved a lot of time and frustration. One of the huge improvements is that the 30$ pair don't slip. You can actually grab the C clip and move it all in the grab! Ha, who would have know. I purchased Knipex

I have quite a few Knipex tools, they are top of the line!

 

[imarobot]

I have some ratcheting snap ring pliers and I find them very helpful.