Archived 1999 4wd 2500 front rotors

[Fhawk]

How do you get these rotors off? Do I need special tools. ? Help

Frank

 

[Extreme1]

You need to remove the axle nut. Then remove front hub/bearing assembly. This is done by removing the 4 fasteners (12 point) on the back of the knuckle. Then the tricky part is getting the hub/bearing out of the knuckle, they tend to rust in (Wisconsin like to use a LOT of salt on the roads). The best method I've come up with is to use a large slide hammer that attaches to the studs and just hammer on it. I did make a bearing puller but it seperated the bearing. I smeared grease in it and it lasted another 5 or 6 years.



After you get the bearing/hub assembly out (with the rotor on it) you drive the studs out the back and the rotor pretty much falls off.

 

[Joe Mc]

The front hub/bearing assy is a bear to remove. A little trick I learned here: loosen all four bolts, remove two - one frontside one backside. Back out the remaining two and thread back in at least 3 full turns. Wedge the socket and a short extension (2 - 4") between the backside bolt and the housing, start up engine and use power steering to "pop" loose. On mine I did little tweaks on the steering wheel until it popped. As far as removing the rotor ? ? ? I was doing ball joints and didn't mess with it. Have fun!

 

[DLausche]

The trick Joe Mc mentions here is absolutely most definitely the way to get the hub off. I'm working on ball joints today so also have to have the hubs & rotors off. I did the passenger side rotor about 3 years ago and beat on the hub with a sledge for hours to get it off of the knuckle. Ended up destroying the bearing/hub and replaced it. I was not looking forward to removing the other hub today since it has never been off and truck is goin on 7 yrs old now. I tried the trick with a socket and extension wedged in there and the power steering to push on the bolt head. It was loose in seconds and off in another minute with the help of a large puller. I stood there for several minutes in total disbelief that it was off that quickly! The bolts on the back are 14mm 12 point. When you go to press the bolts out, I recommend a 9/16 12 point socket with extension. The 9/16 is a bit looser on the bolt head so that you can position the extension easier against the axle housing end.



The rotor is held to the hub with the studs. They are pressed in from the back side. They are easy to remove. Get two 10" or so hunks of scrap 2x4 and place them 7" or so apart. Rotate the hub so you can see all 8 studs from the back and make sure they will clear the hub. Place assembly on concrete floor on top of the 2 2x4's with the studs pointing up. The hub/bearing will hang between the 2x4's. Now, take a good sized mallet and hit each stud stoutly on the end. One good hit on each and they will pop out the back side.



-Deon