I'm wanting to change the rear tire on my '92 Connie.

The tail pipe is in the way of a socket going on the nut on the right side with the cotter pin.  That nut is recessed a little bit so it seems like a socket would be the best way, but I'd love to not have to move the tail pipe.  A crescent seems like it is just loose enough and doesn't have quite enough surface area to crank on it hard without stripping the nut.  So, do you guys use an open end wrench or do you move the tail pipe or what?

Thanks for the tips! 

A muffler has to come off to remove the axle.
The best wrench to use?

One that fits.....

I used an adjustable wrench.

I've always actually removed both pipes each time by using a socket (27mm?).  Its real simple, only a few bolts to remove/loosen.  Slightly twist/rotate the mufflers as you pull them straight back so you don't damage the gaskets.  Put anti-seize on the gaskets before reassembly so they will come undo easy next time.  Its also a great time to change the rear end fluid and grease the fittings (5?) on the suspension linkage.  Don't forget to grease the hub splines and the axle before re-assembly.

27mm is correct.

Another option:

  27mm   = 1.0629"
  1 1/16" = 1.0625"

In short, both 27mm and 1 1/16" sockets work just fine.

This Cruz tools #AW142227 lives in my tool kit for removing the rear axle nut:

http://www.cruztools.com/products/axleplug.html

I think the Aerostich Titanium Tire Iron and Axle wrench is clearly "the best" wrench for the job.  It's the lightest, and most expensive, and therefore, The Best.  We're not looking for "merely totally sufficient" or "probably would work great".   

http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-titanium-tar-arn.html
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-tar-arn-axle-wrench.html

..and the mufflers come off easily, too...

Is this the BMW forum?

You are going to have to remove the left pipe no matter what. I can never get the axle out far enough with out popping off the left can. FYI it is dead simple, remove the bolt to the frame, loosen the clamp at the crossover pipe and with a little twist pull straight back and off it comes. Takes about a minute to remove where you will spend 10-15 minutes trying to remove the axle and then realize you need to pull the can to get it out. Save yourself time that is better spent with an adult beverage. 

You could also remove the lower shock bolt then the wheel would fall out of suspension and the axle would clear, I too however would prefer to just remove the cans

Is this the BMW forum?

Well said, Cholla!!  Haha!

Ok - thanks for the input guys - seems simple enough.  I'll remove the pipes first.  Thanks!

You could also remove the lower shock bolt then the wheel would fall out of suspension and the axle would clear, I too however would prefer to just remove the cans

This.

Why fight the mufflers, clamps and seals when you can have the lower suspension bolt out in about 15 seconds.

Only downside is if you didn't remember to put something under the centerstand to give you more height you still won't be able to remove the tire unless you pull the final drive.

This Cruz tools #AW142227 lives in my tool kit for removing the rear axle nut:

http://www.cruztools.com/products/axleplug.html

Are you sure this one works? The rear axle nut is shrouded.

What's the point of having something in your tool kit unless you also carry a spare tire?

It fits the end of the nut just fine.

I don't carry a spare tire, but more than once I've removed my own wheel so a busy shop could change a tire for me without tying up a lift in the shop.

If I was at a shop buying a tire, I would hope they could lend me a 27mm socket to pop the wheel off.

If I was at a shop buying a tire, I would hope they could lend me a 27mm socket to pop the wheel off.

Plus they'll charge you for the labor involved to remove the wheel and probaly mash the splines up when they re-fit it 

Plus they'll charge you for the labor involved to remove the wheel and probaly mash the splines up when they re-fit it 

That's a big part of it, too. When I'm a couple thousand miles from home I like to be as self-sufficient as possible. Besides, the wrench may prove to be useful for one of the people I'm riding with.

It seems this thread has gone a bit off course. The O.P. asked about wrenches that fit the rear axle nut, not WHY someone would want to carry such a wrench.

Craftsman 1 1/16" shallow chrome socket on the nut side, and 17 MM socket with breaker bar or long box end wrench on other side when tightening or loosening rear wheel axle.

D.

d e a d

> What's the point of having something in your tool kit unless you also carry a spare tire?
Because sometimes you need to get the wheel off so the good samaritan in the Volvo can take you and your wheel to town for repair.

This. BTDT.

It seems this thread has gone a bit off course. The O.P. asked about wrenches that fit the rear axle nut, not WHY someone would want to carry such a wrench.

Part of the charm of this place.

Auto Zone carries a thin wall 27 mm socket that works well, can't remember their brand name of tools.