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Hub Replacement

adbaker

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adbaker Enthusiast

adbaker

Posted
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I need to replace the right front bearing. Had everything apart but could not get the hub to budge. Soaked it in PB, pounded on the sides of the mount and even tried wedging it out with an air chisel but all that did was mash the metal, couldn't get any separation. I was using an underpowered compressor though. Is it safe to pound the back of wheel lug plate or would i be taking a chance that things would blow apart leaving the mounting face of the hub still attached to the steering knuckle?

 

Thanks

 

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NV5600 Enthusiast

NV5600

Posted
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I just replaced my RF. Like you, I soaked everything with PB Blaster. I pounded on the back side of the flange. You've noticed that there is no way to pound it anywhere else but there without eventually destroying your brake backing plate. I used a small 3 pound hammer and struck the back of the flange at what would be the 9 o'clock position as you face the hub. I was afraid that it would get cocked in there by only pounding one side but it slowly came out after dozens of blows. You'll want to replace the axle nut too. I got mine at O'Reilly's for just a few bucks. Luckily, I had a 36mm socket for my Corvette because the new nut needed the 36mm and I believe the stock nut needs a 35mm socket to get it off. I think there is an SAE equivalent that works....maybe on both nuts.

 

FWIW. if I had it to do over again, I would get a good, sturdy 3 jaw puller. I think if I could've applied even outward pressure, it would have come out a lot easier. Good luck.

adbaker Enthusiast

adbaker

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I just replaced my RF. Like you, I soaked everything with PB Blaster. I pounded on the back side of the flange. You've noticed that there is no way to pound it anywhere else but there without eventually destroying your brake backing plate. I used a small 3 pound hammer and struck the back of the flange at what would be the 9 o'clock position as you face the hub. I was afraid that it would get cocked in there by only pounding one side but it slowly came out after dozens of blows. You'll want to replace the axle nut too. I got mine at O'Reilly's for just a few bucks. Luckily, I had a 36mm socket for my Corvette because the new nut needed the 36mm and I believe the stock nut needs a 35mm socket to get it off. I think there is an SAE equivalent that works....maybe on both nuts.

 

FWIW. if I had it to do over again, I would get a good, sturdy 3 jaw puller. I think if I could've applied even outward pressure, it would have come out a lot easier. Good luck.

 

 

Thanks, i'll give it a go this weekend. Grinding was bad today, probably because i was hitting it so much last night. Just to be clear, you pounded on the backside of the brake backing plate (you called it a flange) to hammer it out, or by backing plate were you refering to the dust shield/shroud, or whatever it should be called? Thats the one thing i hadn't tried, like i mentioned, didn't want to do some irreversible damage that would leave me stuck in the barn last night. My axle nut's 1 3/8 and its tight, no play in the socket head so theres your sae equivalent.

 

Thanks again, i'll post the results.

 

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NV5600 Enthusiast

NV5600

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Sorry I wasn't more clear. I pounded on the wheel stud flange from behind. I did alternately turn the steering wheel to the L and R in order to attempt to hit the flange at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions but it wasn't getting me anywhere. If you turn your wheel a hard left, you can get in there and really whack that flange. My air chisel couldn't budge it. As for the backing plate, I may have called it by the wrong name. I meant the thin dust shield behind the brake rotor. I didn't notice what year you were working on.....I may have spoken too soon!

adbaker Enthusiast

adbaker

Posted
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Posted
Sorry I wasn't more clear. I pounded on the wheel stud flange from behind. I did alternately turn the steering wheel to the L and R in order to attempt to hit the flange at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions but it wasn't getting me anywhere. If you turn your wheel a hard left, you can get in there and really whack that flange. My air chisel couldn't budge it. As for the backing plate, I may have called it by the wrong name. I meant the thin dust shield behind the brake rotor. I didn't notice what year you were working on.....I may have spoken too soon!

 

 

Nope you're bang on, and it's an '04. I just needed it to be clear in my mind that i wasn't about to hammer away at something i shouldn't. Nothing i hate more than not being able to finish what should be an easy job. It takes all of 20 mins or so to get down to just the hub and last night i was pounding for a good hour and half just on the hub. I was not happy but at least now i've got the weekend to play.

 

Thanks for reposting.

 

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frdfandc Enthusiast

frdfandc

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Did you remove the axle nut?

 

That needs to be removed first. Then I would loosen the hub retaining bolts on the back, but not remove them. Maybe leave them 1/2. Then hit the heads of the bolts with a 3 lb sledge. Works every time.

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