2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front wheel hub/bearing removal? How to????

[GOT-Torque]

Someone asked about using the puller... I placed two sockets between the axle shaft yoke and the axle tube to keep the axle from just getting pushed into the axle housing.



As far as pressing the hub out of the knuckle, I wonder how this would be best accomplished? The knuckle is odd shaped, I'm not sure how to properly get it in the press to test the capability of my 20 ton jack...

 

[AfterBurner]

Does anyone what size socket I need for the spindle nut? And do I have to pre-load the bearings when I mount the new hub on?

Forrest

 

[GOT-Torque]

I just bought one this week, its on my garage floor at home. 1 3/4" I think. I will verify tonight unless someone else chimes in.



I'll also look for the torque spec on the nut during reassembly, instructions are at home as well.

 

[AfterBurner]

I found the right socket 1&11/16" for the spindle nut; but broke my 1/2" driver trying to get it off! Any ideas on getting it off. Sprayed it with rust eater stuff last night so it had a day to soak. Anybody have any ideas, the only thing i can think is an impact hammer (which i don't have)

Forrest

 

[GOT-Torque]

Nuts are 1 & 11/16 as you stated.



I finally got the hubs out of the knuckles, it took everything my 20 ton press had to offer as well as me using a sledge and a brass punch to get them loose.



My new hubs came today and look good. They also came with new ABS cables (2' long or so)?



Afterburner, you could try smacking the bolts heads with a hammer and punch otherwise a 1/2" impact gun would be the best to break them loose.

 

[Flinty]

I found the right socket 1&11/16" for the spindle nut; but broke my 1/2" driver trying to get it off! Any ideas on getting it off. Sprayed it with rust eater stuff last night so it had a day to soak. Anybody have any ideas, the only thing i can think is an impact hammer (which i don't have)

Forrest

I had to go and rent a 3/4" electric impact wrench to get that sucker off, but it was worth every penny. And this was on a 1/2t truck to boot! I broke or bent every prying, twisting and cheating tool I had in my arsenal. The rental was as big as my leg but that nut didn't stand a chance once that wrench put it's shoulder into it. No replacement for the right tool. Also, leave the wheel on and keep the truck on the ground when you remove the nut. Good luck, buddy! you're gonna need it. BTW, the truck was from Michigan. Road salt does suck indeed.

 

[AfterBurner]

Got the spindle nut off finally. Took a 3/4" breaker bar with a 3ft cheater pipe. I rented two different hub pullers form pep boys and advanced and they both swore thier kits fit "all vehicles". Apparently my Dodge is not in "all vehicles" as neither fit. I was able to put the brake rotor over one of them and so i could use it, and ended up breaking the hub puller . Would just build my own but don't have access to a welder or anything. I'll have to try some of the tricks on here and maybe I can pull it tomorrow.

Forrest

 

[wildmanben]

jeepers I must have got lucky. I did the socket and extention trick and they come loose in less than a minute. Did all ball joints, u-joints, rotors, and brake pads in about 5 hours.