2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission changing balljoints ! easy hub removal

[Jim Norton]

I had to do ball joints last weekend, the right had been out before-no problem it came right out. I beat and cussed and tried every trick I could find here to no avail. It occured to me what the heck the ball joints are trash any how, sawzall-3 minutes both studs cut- hub and steering knuckle laying on the ground. I cut blocks of wood to support the knuckle of the ground so I could beat straight down, no obstructions to bounce off of-it fell right out. Oo. Obviously this is good only if the ball joints are shot. If anyone wonders if antisieze helps the next time, it sure did for me. I had the right out before, polished the mating surfaces and put antisieze on and it came out with a few warm up taps. JCN

 

[BDaugherty]

I've used the trick where you back the unit bearing bolts 1/2 way out then put a socket and extension on one bolt. Turn the steering wheel until the extension touches the inner C and then give it just a little tug. Move the socket and extension to the opposite bolt and repeat with the steering wheel. It only takes a couple of times to get the hub to break free. Then you back the bolts all the way out and slide the hub off. (be sure to remove the axle nut first)

It has also been my experience that cleaning the mating surfaces and using a thin coat of grease or antisieze seems to make removal very easy the next time.

 

[RKlassen]

I blew apart a Snap-on impact extension and impact socket by using the power steering method. I ended up buying a new wheel bearing for one side after I absolutely destroyed it with an air hammer. I have a 1/2" shank ($700) CP air hammer. This hammer is made to do highway truck king pins and suspension bushings. Took beating on each side for 2-3 hours to get my wheel bearings out. Pretty bad when a couple of hour job turns into a full day just because of the removal of one component!

 

[monkeyman]

I loosen all bolts 1/2" then using a hammer knock each head, once it breaks loose, loosen bolts and remove.
I used this method four times already.
Rick