Haha I had the same problem. My axle was so bad I had to cut of an axle nut just to get started on beating off the hub .. after that a ton of heat but from what it sounds and looks like you guys were hitting it in the wrong spot. you can see where I was hitting it form the inside and I didn't bend it it all. I also have a axle , hub and carrier for sale.. I only want $5 for the sprocket hub and $5 for the carrier.