Archived HELP! Can't get front hubs off!

[GCordrey]

Trying to do ball joints on my 02 4x4 . I tried the trick loosening the 4 bolts on the backside and pressing them out w/ the stearing system. So far i've bent 2 extensions doing it! Any thoughts? I've tried heat also. I would like to save the bearings if it all possible. Its getting dark, and starting to rain. I think this project is going south real fast! Thanks in advance!

 

[RON'S RAM]

It seems like it is so easy for some people, then hard for others as it was for me. I ended up making a plate that bolted to 6 of the wheel studs and then bolted a heavy slide hammer to the centor of it. I kept spraying penetrating oil where the hub meets the axle for at least 1/2 hour. Then just started slamming the puller until it loosened the hub up. I kept the axle nut tight until I got the hub to move so the bearing would not seperate as it did on the first side I did. Not sure if this is a good way to do it or not, but it worked, and I don't seem to have any bearing problems. Good luck!!

Ron

 

[GCordrey]

Yep. tried the ole' pressure on the backside bolts trick again. Gonna get new bolts tomorrow! I think i'll try your side hammer route tomorrow also, Ron. I almost rented one just in case, instead I bought an impact to get the nut off. Oh well!

 

[GCordrey]

OK. I got a slidehammer, and it will not budge the hub. Let me get this straight... the four bolts on the backside is the only thing holding it on? Besides the corrosion? Normally we can do some serious movement w/ a 5 lb. slidehammer. I left the bid nut on, to keep from splitting the hub. Any thoughts?

 

[REFLOYD]

take a torch and apply some heat to the steering knuckle that should help.

 

[GCordrey]

I'll give heat another shot. You folks should see the people comming out to hear what that slamming noise is :-laf

 

[GCordrey]

Well' neighbors are a bit ticked off at the noise. I tried the heat and slamming for a half hour. Think I'll put it back together and get it down to a buddy's shop. At least they won't complain about the noise. I work on million dollar aircraft, solving problems and such. I figured this "won't be so bad". Man, my hats off to you folks doing this stuff day in and day out!

 

[GCordrey]

Something else I was thinking about while I sulked in defeat: The hammer was the 5# size. Is this the size to use, or should I go w/ the old saying bigger is better? I found Harbour Freight has a 13# slide hammer. I can only guess how my hands will feel after using that thing! I visited Quad 4x4's site (the route I should've gone!) and they have a nifty setup too. Any input is greatly appreciated. I tried the heat, until the tank was MT. Hope Snap-On will take back my bent extensions this week!