350X rear brake hub stuck on axle.

[rot box]

Hey fellas, I haven’t been on the forum in a very long time. I’ve been going through my dad’s 1985 Honda 350X that he bought new. I’m doing carrier bearings and I have the lock nuts removed from the axle and the threaded sleeve is also removed. I cannot for the life of me get the dang brake rotor hub off the splines of the axle. I’ve tried heat, PB Blaster and even got a little western with it. It’s rusted on really bad.

I have some Kroil in the mail but I was wondering if there’s anything I should be trying in the meantime? I’m nearly damaging the hub trying to pound it off. Is there any clever way to press it off? Is hitting the end of the axle with a dead blow a bad idea to try and drive the whole thing out?

Thanks for any tips or advice,

Andrew

[ATC King]

If you've gotten to the point that it should slide out under normal circumstances, but it won't, you're kind of screwed.

It's to the point of cutting stuff off.

To explain, rust locks part together. Not just the friction, but rust modifies the parts so they have a random physical lock. It's like nature machines the parts so they won't come apart.

I just had a 350X axle that looked terrible, hubs welded on and all that jazz. It came apart by hand once the nut was off. Even the swingarm pivot bolt was pulled from the frame by hand. Completely unreal, as things normally go. I've also had them where beating with a sledgehammer didn't move them.

When you've got rusted vintage parts, a reoccurring question is what cost less to sacrifice.

BTW, the brake hub originally had an O-ring, which I'd guess most owners never replace. Once moisture gets into the splines, the rust will lock everything together like it was one part.

[Jd110]

Don’t think you’re screwed…Think it will come free. All you need is patience. Mine didn’t slide out either. I soaked it until it wanted to move with rubber mallet or dead blow. It might take a week or two but don’t give up or force it with a sledge.
Looking at my pictures, your best bet is a big long punch to tap it off after soaking it. If it doesn’t go wait another day.

[oldskool83]

You need to give it heat and lots of it. Can start with a small bottle of propane, that alone just helps to loosen things....if they does not work use a torch and it will come loose. Worst case you drill a small hole in the hub and fill with oil. Let sit remove and then weld the hole shut or drill and tap it for a small set screw. If you screw up the hub not big deal. Throw it all away and convert over to small rotor ATC250R / trx250r or huge rotor 300ex stuff. Any honda rotor hubs slide on any honda axles. You just need to space out calipers / locations for larger or small rotors.

[rot box]

Hey thanks guys I appreciate the help. I replaced the carrier bearings once before but that was back in the 90’s lol!

I’m not in a hurry so I’ll let it soak and take my time. Kroil should help too it’s supposed to arrive Thursday.

[rot box]

Man…. This thing is wearing my patience haha. Soaked in Kroil for days now still won’t budge. I’m gonna put the oxy/acetylene on it for a bit today and get it good and hot. I haven’t destroyed any components yet so fingers crossed wish me luck.

[Jd110]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250411/0faf14a7238dee65a6b1198531d8f978.jpg
Here’s a picture of the tools I used. Particularly, the punches I used.
Coming from a more experienced member, I agree with using heat. Good luck!

[Jd110]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250411/0c2ea5c4198317096fb06d25b57e2842.jpg
Here is the o-ring you will need when you get it off. If I remember it goes on the inside of the brake collar (hub)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rot box]

It came free! Wooo! Man is it rusty gonna take awhile to clean this up.

Thanks again for the tips you guys. Gonna use extra care, anti seize and the orings going back together.

[ATC King]

Awesome!

That's a victory.

[Jd110]

Glad you got it off. I forgot there were 2 o-rings. You probably have it figured out. There is one on both sides. Page 12-6 of service manual shows its location. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250417/ce954d6fcf5038847bf4c33d18c42ef6.jpg

[rot box]

Thanks again! I have it mostly back together :cool:

[Jd110]

You welcome bud. It’s my pleasure.
You actually help me remember there are 2 with your comment about the anti-seize and the orings (plural) going back together.

I ended up doing the brakes, sprockets & chain too. If u care for anymore pics. lol

Happy you’re working on your dad’s machine.