Technical Help needed - Removing drive shaft problem

[robbyTVR]

Hi all,
I have what I think is a noisy clutch thrust release bearing on my 1.2 2012 500. Noise goes when clutch pedal is pressed. Noise can be heard at idle. Clutch was replaced and gearbox reconditioned about 10k mikes ago. I have been following the bellhousing removal guidance but have got stuck trying to remove left drive shaft from transmission. I have removed the wheel end of the driveshaft. Persevering with pry bar but drive shaft wont pop out. I am looking at trying one of those fork shaped removal tools next. Does anyone know if its a good or bad idea to remove the 4 bolts holding the support bearing cover and then removing the bearing and drive shaft? I am not sure it this would work and whether it would be difficult to put all back. Thanks

 

[AnthonyH]

I had the same problem on my Grande Punto a few months ago.

The passenger side driveshaft did come off with the right tapping but it was too difficult and you need to buy a tool.

For the drivers side I used an exhaust clamp but once again I wish I'd bought a tool.

Personally I'd prefer one of the hammers rather than a fork. But in hindsight I'd have bought both at the same time.

 

[robbyTVR]

I had the same problem on my Grande Punto a few months ago.

The passenger side driveshaft did come off with the right tapping but it was too difficult and you need to buy a tool.

For the drivers side I used an exhaust clamp but once again I wish I'd bought a tool.

Personally I'd prefer one of the hammers rather than a fork. But in hindsight I'd have bought both at the same time.

Thanks for the tips. In the end I removed one of the lower bolts from the bearing guide cover that was hindering access for a pry bar. That gave me more room to get a short pry bar in with better leverage. A couple of firm strikes on the end of the pry bar to pop the drive shaft.