How to remove front wheel spacer on a 2006 3500 2wd

[navyjoe]

I'm doing new shocks on my 06 Dually 2WD

While there it seems like a good idea to repack the front wheel bearings since its 10 years old and has 85000 miles on it. How to properly remove that hub has me a little perplexed. Cant use an air wrench so that means Ill have to find some way to lock down the rotor and use a regular wrench. The nut is 22mm and no room for using a socket and breaker bar so it has to be a real beefy long probably 6 point not even a 12 point wrench.

I'm almost tempted to skip it but I think 10 years without re-greasing the bearings would be pressing my luck!!

Also on locking the hub I guess the only way to do it is to start the engine and have my wife hold the brake on, right ???????

Any ideas to pass along?

Or am I better off taking it to a garage? $$$$$$$ and they usually screw something up.

 

[Bob4x4]

Just put a stout punch in the fins of the rotor when it hits the caliper it will hold it

 

[navyjoe]

Now that I've asked the question, is there even a repack-able bearing there? In exploring around the web, even though 90% of the comments are for 4WD trucks, I'm beginning to think it is a bearing assembly

 

[navyjoe]

Just put a stout punch in the fins of the rotor when it hits the caliper it will hold it

OK, that sounds like a plan and a whole lot easier! Thanks.

 

[Prairie Dog]

No, it's a unit bearing.
But you could check it for looseness or roughness. It could be getting close to needing replacement at that mileage.

 

[navyjoe]

No, it's a unit bearing.
But you could check it for looseness or roughness. It could be getting close to needing replacement at that mileage.

Thanks Prairie Dog. I'll check it out. Didnt notice any play or roughness. I guess the best way to check it would be to back off the pads to stop the drag and put tbe tires back on then spin and try moving the tire. Does that sound like a plan?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Thanks Prairie Dog. I'll check it out. Didnt notice any play or roughness. I guess the best way to check it would be to back off the pads to stop the drag and put tbe tires back on then spin and try moving the tire. Does that sound like a plan?

Yes, the tire gives you the leverage you need.
With the tire slightly off the ground, try wiggling it front to back and top to bottom. Then put a pry bar under it and try to lift in order to see how much slop is in the ball joints; at the same time try to push in and out on the top of the tire. This will tell you if the upper ball joint is bad.

 

[navyjoe]

Yes, the tire gives you the leverage you need.
With the tire slightly off the ground, try wiggling it front to back and top to bottom. Then put a pry bar under it and try to lift in order to see how much slop is in the ball joints; at the same time try to push in and out on the top of the tire. This will tell you if the upper ball joint is bad.

OK, sure appreciate your help.