I have spent three days in total trying to remove the rear axle pinion nut so that I can replace the oil seal on the diff. The last attempt was to heat the nut red hot and then ensuring that the shaft does not rotate by using a steel bar and then apply torque using a ratchet, socket and a trolley jack (2.5 tonnes). The steel bar and socket wrench were 'bent'. Leaving it overnight and hitting the socket/wrench with a sledge hammer head (garage recommendation) did not make any difference.
A few notes:
The thread is right handed There is no split pin The nut is of the clench type ( The top of the nut is pinched in on opposite sides) I originally tried penetrating fluid with and without graphite (leaving it to soak overnight) There is no sign of any locking agent (Loctite etc) There are no locking tab washers There is no sign of rust or corrosion, the nut and washer are still 'bright' This is the hardest nut I have come across in 42 years of working on cars and its unbelievable.
Before cutting it off with an angle grinder (If I can get at it as it will have to be a small diameter one), am I missing anything before I do this?
Griff