2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Removal of Front Hubs

[MASanders]

I'm replacing my brake rotors ('97 2500 4X4), and need to get the front hubs off. B-4 I start prying or pounding on the wrong stuff, I'm checking for the easy(?) way. Of course the manual says "remove the assembly". I have removed the 4 bolts and axle nut. My rotor actually broke in half through the fin area. Anybody seen this B-4? 165,000 miles and have replaced pads a few times. Not much towing, other than a car trailer now & then.



Thanks!!

 

[Joe G.]

You can use your power steering to remove the hubs. Put the four bolts back in and leave them so they stick out a little. Then put a bar (socket extension works) between the bolt head and somewhere solid. Turn the wheel and let the power steering push on the bolt head.

 

[MASanders]

This worked just fine! Thanks for the input! It's amazing what a job this whole thing is, to a mechanic like me that's used to working on Imported Cars!

Thanks Again!

 

[Extreme1]

While it's apart, clean the rust off the mating bore and the hub OD. Apply some copper anti-sieze and it will come apart real easy next time.



The failure on your rotor is probably from rust making the cooling fins too thin. I just replaced a rotor I installed new in '97 for the same problem. They will start to pulsate pretty bad prior to seperating.

 

[MASanders]

Thanks! I have already cleaned the rusty stuff. I'm actually quite anal about that. Living in MN gives a real hate for rusty/broken bolts/parts.

The rotor does look like it just plain rust thru at the cooling fins.

I'm still amazed at the size & weight of the pieces on this truck! Even tho I'm trained as a mechanic, and I've owned it since new, it sure is different from the Nissan's & Mazda's I'm used to.



97 2500 4X4 (165,000 miles) that fell off the train when new, but got out of Dodge anyway.