My rear axle is stuck

[Bruce1100]

I have a 1981 gl1100 interstate and I can't get the rear axle completely out. I've tried sledge hammers and it still won't come completely out . Any suggestions are truly appreciated. I've used a bunch of penetrating oil

[Rambozo]

Will it rotate with the wheel locked?

[Bruce1100]

Yes and it's about 2 inches from being out completely

[joecoolsuncle]

if you hit the threaded end with a sledge, you may have to cut it off. that threaded end is really soft on every motorcycle axle i have seen.

[DenverWinger]

Isn't there a small hole in the non-threaded end of the axle where you can stick a screwdriver thru the hole in the axle end, then simultaneously twist an pull on the axle via the screwdriver?

[WingAdmin]

You loosened the pinch bolt, correct?

[joecoolsuncle]

You loosened the pinch bolt, correct?

lol. i have actually forgot to do that! i said !@#$%^&* on the side of a road after figuring it out! but his axle is hanging at @in from being out.

[Rambozo]

Because you mention penetrating oil, I'm guessing you have corrosion in that area?
As was mentioned if you pounded on the threaded end, you may have mushroomed it. I would try to get the axle back in so you can examine that end. Then you can decide which way to proceed. Either cut, file, or grind off any mushrooming and try again, or cut off the head of the bolt and using a brass punch drive it out the other way. Doing whatever you can to preserve the final drive is the way to go. Everything else is cheap and easy to replace.

[Bruce1100]

I just wanted to let you'll know I finally got my rear axle out of my bike! The wheel bearing had fused to the axle and wasn't going to let the axle go. I wound up using a sawzall and cut the axle right where the brake arm is ! I am so glad I have got past this problem. And I appreciate all the input from you all! Thanks!