Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Help with axel u-joint repair

[Andy Morrison]

Trying to replace left front axel joint . can anyone tell me how to remove the hub and rotor assembly. do i need a puller ?







thanks andy

 

[Extreme1]

DUDE! You need a FSM!

(Factory Service Manual).



First (before jacking up the truck) remove the nut from the end of the axle. Then jack up the truck and remove the wheel.



There are (4) 12 point bolts on the back of the steering knuckle assembly holding the bearing "cartridge" in place. The fit between the bearing and the knuckle isn't a press fit but due to corrosion, they don't come out easy. I have had good results with a slide hammer type puller. The AutoZone nearby claims to have one, they loan tools for free.



When you remove the axle, be careful not to damage the seal. If you have the truck level side to side (both sides jacked up) you will have some dif lube in the axle tube when you are done. This will look like a damaged seal and whiz lube on the ground for a couple weeks. Don't worry, it'll stop.



Try doing a search on this topic, there are more complete accounts...

 

[Joe G.]

Ditto on the FSM!! Get one, you won't be sorry.



There was a post sometime back where a guy purhased four grade 8 screws that are longer than the 12 point screws. He used these screws to pull the thing apart by beating on them in sequence until the hub came apart. I haven't tried that yet but it might be better than a slide hammer because when the hum comes apart with the slide hammer the axle and all shoots out of the axle housing possibly damageing a seal.

 

[Andy Morrison]

Thanks for the help guys, but I got it all apart and back together again. . If you loosen the four bolts on the back of the hub , then tap them with a hammer( hold a socket and extention on the bolt head) it will come loose without any trouble.



Thanks again for the help, Andy











PS If I buy a FSM soon I hope that it is for a '03

 

[jpearson]

I have removed the rotor assembly both ways, with a puller and by taking a hammer to the 4 bolts on the back side . I think the hammer striking a socket with an extension is the best way and remember to use anti-seize when you put everything back together. Good luck



Jeff

 

[95REDRAM]

I took the Sling Blade approach to getting the stuck hub loose. After removing the four bolts on the back side I too found that things did not want to come apart. Tried a puller and that didn't work. Thought about it a little and said to myself, "If the tire was on there and I drove this thing down the road I'm sure it would fall right off. " So -- I put the tire on and gave it a good kick. Hub came loose, problem solved.

 

[Bugman]

I need to replace my driver side axle U-Joint as well but have been reluctant to do so because I am worried I may not be able to remove the joint itself. I only have this one vehicle and wont be able to take to have pressed out. I have a huge vise... ... . will that work?



Thanks,

Bugman.

 

[Joe G.]

It's a BIG u-joint so you better do some measuring before takeing it apart. I have a pretty good size vise too, but it's not big enuff for that u-joint plus the sockets necessary to take it apart. I used my press to do it so it was easy. Otherwise I would have had to use a big hammer.

 

[illflem]

My vice does u-joints easily but it has 8" jaws and opens 16". Only $89 from Harbor Freight w/ free shipping, over 100 lbs. Made in China with steel softer than aluminum, but it works!

 

[Bugman]

Thanks Joe G. and illflem. My son in law gave the this vise, It's made in the USA and weighs prolly over 200 lbs!! It's 6" jaw and opens over a foot so should be good.



TY.

Bugman.

 

[bighammer]

I use a hammer and old sockets on an anvil or between the vise jaws. The tapping with a hammer loosens things up without the crushing of a vise or press.

 

[Bugman]

Bought me u-joint and low and behold I don't have a socket to fit the axle nut. Went to Autozone and they didn't have a socket either!!!..... Grrrrrrrrr. It is 1 11/16" isn't it?



Methinks now I better go get a new nut before I bugger this one up and get stranded.



Bugman.

 

[Extreme1]

What Pete said!

Originally posted by bighammer

I use a hammer and old sockets on an anvil or between the vise jaws. The tapping with a hammer loosens things up without the crushing of a vise or press.

Ditto!

 

[sandbrew]

TTT for Njord Sandbrew