Need some help guys.. I'm currently trying to remove the hub so I can replace my u-joints.. Is there a trick to getting these things loose? I've hit all I want to with a mallet and still cant get it to seperate from the steering knuckle.. I've removed the axle nut and cotter pin washer and the 4 bolts on the back of the steering knuckle. It seems to be rusted on..

 

Mr Gadget did a thread a while back on doing ball joints and its a step by step with pics. In the step by step he covers how to remove the hub. check it out, hope it helps you.

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...cket+extension

 

Many many thanks!!!

 

Mr Gadget's ball joint writeup and pictures are posted in the article section under 3rd gen.

 

all i do is take a long punch and leave 2 opposite bolts in the back of the bearing and bump it with the power steering. Just dont touch the brakes!!!!! And dont force them with the power steering. Just bump it back and forth and you should be good. Once they start movin they come out easy. Also take some emrey cloth after and clean them up good. Makes it easy for the next time

 

Guys I hate to say this but it still wont come out.. Can I put any heat to this at all?

 

if you plan on re-using the hubs be careful with heat, if you smoke that grease in the hub they will be done. you could try putting a little tension on it with a puller and then pushing with powers steering but using a puller could also separate the hub. those hubs are expen$ive. soak in penetrating oil overnight and try again? never heard of the powersteering push method not breaking them loose, must be real seized on there. make sure to put anti-seize on so when you have to do ball joints they will fall right out!

 

I soaked with PB Blaster for a couple of days then the power steering method worked for me. Watch using pullers they will seperate the bearing.

 

I used a slide hammer and the adapter plate ,I ordered the puller but found out autozone had one in stock and would rent it to you for free .It didn't come out easy but after an hour of pounding on it it finally did.There is a puller that you can get that screws in and uses screw pressure to pop it loose also,if you do a search yopu will find a couple of different types.

 

I just did the ball joints on my truck. Use plenty of good penetrating fluid and let it sit for a few hours. I like a brand called free-all. Also I used a wobble extension and socket. This will give you a little flex to get it on a solid place. I worked all four bolts a little at a time and it finally popped loose. The second one went easier because we put more pressure on with the power steering. If you get them out clean up both surfaces with a wire brush and use plenty of anti-seize on them.

 

Don't use heat, ABS sensor and some bearing seals are of plastic you will melt it.

It will eventually come out, just be patient and keep trying. We all been there, some are easy some are tough.

 

I'm ready to give up.. I put alot of pressure on it with the steering wheel enough to cause things too bow.. I soaked it overnight in penetrating oil and I will give her another try.. Would it be better to just go ahead and use a puller on it and replace the hub bearing? I've got 105,000 on the originals.. How long do the bearings actually last?

 

cincy, two ways Ive had luck getting them off without damaging the hub. . . 1. Back the 4 bolts holding the hub on about a 1/4". Give each bolt a good hit. You'll need a good punch to bring you out enough to get a good hit on them. Work in a star pattern so to speak and Hit them good. You should see some movement. Once movement starts keep backing out the bolts a bit each time. and reapeat. 2. Same as above with a little added pressure with a puller on the front side. Not to much as you can break the bearing fairly easy. Once it initially breaks loose from where its siezed it will come fairly easy and you can "press" them off with the power steering. You may need to get 4 new bolts of the same grade from a hardware store or bolt supplier but bolts are much cheaper than these bearings/hub.

 

I'm letting her sit for a day with the penetrating oil soak.. I will try again tomorrow. If that dont work I'll have to hang my head in shame and resort to the dealer.

 

My son's 95 Dodge truck has 260,000 miles on it with the original front bearings. So they can last quite a while. When I did my ball joints Advance Auto said the bearing was around $350. Can't remember the exact price, but they are expensive. I know you said you were going to let it sit, but put penetrating fluid on it every time you think of it. Remember most of it will run off. Don't give up as victory will soon be yours. As an incentive think of what you can get with the money your saving by doing it yourself.