Archived front wheel bearings

[Ramafid]

I have tried everything to remove the bearings but I have had no success. I have read tons of posts about this and I need some new ideas to get them off. I made up a puller with a hydraulic jack with no success. I tried a digging iron with a chain to jar them loose. I of course tried the socket and extension on the back of the bolts with no success. I pounded the bolts very hard and nothing. This is the worst project I have ever attempted. Please I need some new ideas or I guess I will have to take it to the dealer or repair shop.



Anthony

 

[Rob Thomas]

Do you have an air-compressor? The fastest, easiest, way is to use a air-hammer, they nearly fall off. You'll likely mush the ends of the bolt heads a little, so you can either grind the heads a little to fix them, or replace them altogther.



Turn the steering wheel all the way to one side, and you can access two of the bolts,(on each side of the truck) and then turn the wheel to the opposite side and get the other two bolts (on each side).



Rob

 

[Ramafid]

Well I tried the air-hammer and no success. I have been fixing stuff for 20 years and have never had to give up. It is if the hub/bearing assembly is welded to the knuckle. After trying for a total of 10 hours I guess I will have to take it to a repair shop. I'm not real happy right now. Thanks for the help Rob.



Anthony

 

[Dodge-Tech]

These are by far the worst jobs that come into the shop. Last week I beat on a front end with a 10 lb sledge hammer for TWO DAYS to get the hubs out, even using heat from the torch. There is no other way than to ruin some parts. Afterwards, the hubs and bearings and the dust shields needed to be replaced. Every tech in the shop always has an extremely hard time with these hubs seizing in the knuckles.

 

[Ramafid]

Thanks for that bit of good news At least I know there are plenty of other peple out there that have the same problem I do. Sometimes you think the bad luck just hits you. I am going to give it another go at this weekend and see what happens. I just hope the bearings hold out till they can be replaced. Thanks for the reply.



Anthony

 

[Extreme1]

I used a slide hammer that attaches to the studs. AutoZone claims to have one that can be borrowed for free but I borrowed my friend's Snap-On. It took 15 minutes of pounding but it came out.

 

[Ramafid]

I am going to have to check into that slide hammer. I used an air hammer on the back of the bolts to try to loosen them from vibration but no go. Didn't have much time this past weekend to fool with it but they still didn't budge. I am going to try to get a huge puller and a slide hammer for this upcoming weekend. I hope two full days is enough to get the suckers out.

 

[95REDRAM]

This might sound a little silly but it worked twice for me. I had the same problem you describe and just could not see why the hubs would not come out of the knuckle. After stepping back and looking at things I determined that if I were to put the wheel back on the truck and drive down the road... the wheel should fall right off the truck. Well I didn't do that but I did put the wheel back on and give it a good swift kick. It was just enough leverage to break the hub free. The first one took only one or two kicks. The second one was a little more stubborn. This method can end up damaging the axle seal but I got lucky and mine were OK.

 

[daveshoe]

Hey Dodge Tech and Ramafid, Check out your twin post over at 2nd gen Forums [same title] It only takes about an hour to make the plate puller and there is no heating or beating on your truck. I wish I had a digital camera . I could then photograph the whole process and post it on here.

 

[tabell]

I picked up craftsmans biggest gear puller and a 3/4" breaker bar. I just kept cranking until it popped off. I had a heart attack when I heard the "BANG", but it worked.

 

[Ramafid]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to the Autozone and picking up a slide hammer and a big puller. Between these two I am sure I will get the bearings out. I never imagined replacing the bearings would be such a nightmare. Bought plenty of anti-seize so hopefully I will never have this problem again.



Anthony

 

[Ramafid]

Finally got the bearings out. A big universal puller and hammer blows got the job done. Thanks to everyone that helped me out.



Anthony