Archived Need HELP ASAP Front Universal Joints '03

[Kiohio]

I am in the middle of taking apart the front end. Nothing is coming apart the way I planned. The front wheel bearings pulled apart while I was trying to pull the bearing housing. So here I am with it half torn apart and can't get the bearing housing out still. Main problem... . I HAVE to have the truck done by tomorrow morning. I'm working on it and coming in and hitting refresh. Any help would be very appreciated.



KO

 

[RLighthall]

I am in the middle of taking apart the front end. Nothing is coming apart the way I planned. The front wheel bearings pulled apart while I was trying to pull the bearing housing. So here I am with it half torn apart and can't get the bearing housing out still. Main problem... . I HAVE to have the truck done by tomorrow morning. I'm working on it and coming in and hitting refresh. Any help would be very appreciated.



KO

Yuck. 4x4, correct? When I did my 99 I left the 4 hub assembly bolts in place, only loosening them a turn or 2. That helps assure the assembly comes out evenly. I rapped each one in turn till it worked it's way out. Though (at least on the '99) the lip where the bearing fits inside the knuckle isn't very big, the tolerance is tight enough that it has to come out perfectly evenly. Heck, my big accomplishment was getting the axle nut off. Everything else went fine...

 

[Kiohio]

Yuck. 4x4, correct? When I did my 99 I left the 4 hub assembly bolts in place, only loosening them a turn or 2. That helps assure the assembly comes out evenly. I rapped each one in turn till it worked it's way out. Though (at least on the '99) the lip where the bearing fits inside the knuckle isn't very big, the tolerance is tight enough that it has to come out perfectly evenly. Heck, my big accomplishment was getting the axle nut off. Everything else went fine...

Did you tap them from the back to the front? So basically you are saying I should put all the bolts back in and start over?

 

[RLighthall]

Did you tap them from the back to the front? So basically you are saying I should put all the bolts back in and start over?

Yeah, try putting the bolts back in, snug them enough to make sure the bearing assy lip is 'true' in it's hole, then loosen them up the same amount and tap on the bolt heads in sequence. Also a good rap (just not killer hard) on the cast iron where it meets the knuckle will help break down any corrosion that's making it tougher to get out.

 

[RLighthall]

Did you tap them from the back to the front? So basically you are saying I should put all the bolts back in and start over?

Does your rotor come off once the caliper is off? I havn't had occasion to look at mine, and when I rotate the tires I never think to look. Only had my '03 a year before trading for the '4. 5. To remove the rotor on the '99, the hub assy had to come out because it was monted from behind the hub, held in place by the 8 studs. What a PIA! Anyway, if the rotor comes off from the front (as I've heard and it looks like it in the '03 manual), can you get to the area where the hub meets the knuckle, so that once it starts to work it's way out a couple big screwdrivers wedged in the gap and working your way evenly around might help a little?

 

[Kiohio]

Does your rotor come off once the caliper is off? I havn't had occasion to look at mine, and when I rotate the tires I never think to look. Only had my '03 a year before trading for the '4. 5. To remove the rotor on the '99, the hub assy had to come out because it was monted from behind the hub, held in place by the 8 studs. What a PIA! Anyway, if the rotor comes off from the front (as I've heard and it looks like it in the '03 manual), can you get to the area where the hub meets the knuckle, so that once it starts to work it's way out a couple big screwdrivers wedged in the gap and working your way evenly around might help a little?

We screwed up but turned the wheel and it popped out, now we are trying to change the universal joint. You are right, a major PIA!!!

 

[RLighthall]

We screwed up but turned the wheel and it popped out, now we are trying to change the universal joint. You are right, a major PIA!!!

Great! I sure hope the ujoint is more cooperative. My front left ujoint has a hair of play in it, so I know it won't be long 'till I'll be enjoying the same adventure. Gee I can hardly wait...

 

[Kiohio]

Great! I sure hope the ujoint is more cooperative. My front left ujoint has a hair of play in it, so I know it won't be long 'till I'll be enjoying the same adventure. Gee I can hardly wait...

U joints turned out to be just as big a PIA, but we did get them done. Thanks for your help. KO

 

[RLighthall]

U joints turned out to be just as big a PIA, but we did get them done. Thanks for your help. KO

Glad to hear it all worked out in the end. Makes for a long evening but it least it didn't drag on into another day, especially since ya gotta be somewhere. -Rog...