Please help, ATC 70 rear axle removal

[puffine]

So I got stuck in the restoration of my 70 project, I can't seem to be able to remove the rear axle no matter what I do. I know that it is supposed to slide out towards the brake (right) side with just a gentle tap of a rubber mallet, however after years or water and mud it has seized.
http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/puffine/DSCF1840.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/puffine/media/DSCF1840.jpg.html)
The way that it currently sits at a standstill.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/puffine/DSCF1841.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/puffine/media/DSCF1841.jpg.html)
Is the little collar before the sprocket supposed to come out too?

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k266/puffine/DSCF1847.jpg (http://s90.photobucket.com/user/puffine/media/DSCF1847.jpg.html)
Or is the sprocket riveted to the hub?

Should I soke it in oil or vinegar to loosen it up??? Please help I am loosing my mind!
-stan

[dave ytz250s]

Yes you can put a generous amount of penetrant oil, that can only help. If your bearings are seized on the axle you're gonna need more than a rubber mallet, personally I have never removed an axle on this model, I am assuming you've removed all the parts needed to get it loose. Lay it on the side and block it under the bearing housing put the nut on the end of the axle with a couple of washers to make sure you cover up all of those threads you can try your rubber mallet again but if nothig works find a peice of hardwood hold it on the end of the axle with the nut in place and beat the hell out of it with a HEAVY hammer.

[mollie8000]

put the hub and nut back on and use a large socket over the nut to drive out,after bolting center section back up

[jb2wheels]

I know nothing about the 1st gens but ... the 2nd gens slide out to the left.

[fastatc70]

Sorry if I am no help. I don't have any experience with the first gen either. Did that axel have collers. I have an 85 and that Alex slid out to the left also. I had a bad bearing on the left so that was the only way I could go. Looking at my axel it can go both ways I think.

[belly]

if everything is removed correctly, use a slide hammer. that will persuade it to come loose.

[puffine]

Here is a manual for both the older one and newer one for those interested http://www.oscarmayer.net/atc/manuals/honda/ATC70_73-84.pdf
I came to the conclusion that I cannot submerse the rear axle in anything that will eat at the rust because it will adversely affect the aluminum.
There has got to be somebody that has experience with the first generation 70's!

[dave ytz250s]

Get a can of aerosol penetrating lubricant, most of them state that they are safe for aluminum. Put the nut back on the axle end hold a peice of hardwood on it and hit it with a heavy hammer. You can try just beating it out without the lube but honestly that stuff really does magic.

[coolpool]

Pretty sure it comes out to the left also. I'm second guessing but it sure seems familiar. I must be getting old, I just switched mine out in April and honestly can't remember!

[MattDragontamer]

If you are looking at it from the back... it slides out to the RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT!!!

Look at my pics on this post... http://www.3wheeler.org/vb/showthread.php?47189-Honda-1973-ATC-70-Custom-Tribute-Build/page3
About half way down...

To get the axle out if it's stuck is to remove both side panels... (the brake panel and the other side with the bearings in it.
Now that the internal housing/hub is free to move, place it to the brake wall side and place yourselfon the same side with your feet against the
frame to stop it from moving. Now with a large soft head hammer and possibly someones help, place a block of wood under the part of the axle on the left side
(would be the opposite side you are on...) to keep the axle off the ground and ready to hit.
Wack the end of the axle until it comes free. Threading the axle nut on the end flush with the axle tip will prevent damage to the threads.