Archived axle bearing

[Moe]

Can someone help? I have the front end axle torn down to replace the ball stud. I followed the book and backed the 4 bolts out that hold the bearing in. The book says hammer away on the bolt heads to separate the bearing from the hub. This thing will not budge. Does anyone have the secret on how to remove the hub and bearing without causing terminal damage? Thanks, Moe. #@$%!

 

[JApol]

get a socket and extension on the bolt heads and use the power steering to "press" it out.

I have not done that personally but I plan to use it in the next month or so when my dynatrac and balljoint kits gets in.

 

[Moe]

Thanks JApol. I'll give it a shot in the morning. Will keep posted.

 

[rkressg]

If that does not work, you will need to burn the ball joints off, and pull out the entire assembly. Then, wet the hub assembly up on 3 jack stands, leave the 12 point bolts in there, each backed off about 1/2".

Use a 12lb sledge hammer (or larger), (use a 12 point 14mm socket on the bolts, to keep from destroying the bolts), and destroy the socket hitting it with the hammer.

After about 50 hits on each bolt (move hits around to different bolts to avoid jamming the hub), the hub will either come out or break apart. You will destroy the old hub in the process.

 

[Moe]

JApol; good suggestion and it worked. Using the steering as a press took about 10 minutes. Had my son work steering as I moved the socket from front to back. Soaking in Blaster the night before helped also. Its good to know a shortcut. Thanks, Moe