How to pull front hub?

[lunytnz]

I need to clean or replace the front wheel speed sensors on my 99 Yukon 4WD.

 

It looks like I need a 1-3/8" socket to get the nut on the hub off... does that sound right?

 

And how do I keep the axle from turning while I'm trying to get that big nut off? I already have the caliper and the rotor off, so the axle spins pretty freely.

 

I thought about sliding a pry bar in between the lugs on the hub, but I'm not sure I'll be able to hold it with enough force to get that big nut off (especially, since the threads look pretty rusted).

[kstruckcountry]

Best way to get the CV nut off is leave the brakes on and have someone hold them while you loosen the nut, that's what I do anyways.

[trapperman83]

You don't have to pull everything off to get the speed sensor out just the brakes and rotor

[lunytnz]

You don't have to pull everything off to get the speed sensor out just the brakes and rotor

 

The speed sensor is tucked in behind the splash shield (so I can't get to the speed sensor because of the splash shield). It looks like the only way I can get to the bolts that hold on the splash shield is to remove the hub. (I have a photo, but can't see how to attach photos to threads in this forum).

[efritz]

Just replace the whole assembly or you will be likely wasting your time. Once the speed sensor starts to fail that is usually an indication that water and dirt have come into the bearings and are in the process of destroying the bearings, or they are worn out and beginning to tilt inside the housing. To get the big nut off you must have the vehicle on the ground with the wheel on as that nut is tightened to almost 200 foot pounds or it will just spin. Heat the nut up a bit first to make your life easier. Then remove the whole brake assembly, remove the three bolts on the back of the spindle that hold the bearing in, and then pound the crap out of it with a hammer to get it out. After all this is said and done, the bearing has been ruined anyway, so just replace it. Reassemble in reverse order (without the hammer).

[06pirate]

I recently replaced my front hubs on my 2006 GMC Sierra, at about 125,000 miles due to bearing failures. I'd guess that if you are over 100,000 it's about time to do them anyway. For loosening/tightening the axle nut, I stuck a loooong crowbar between the lugs and braced it against the floor to prevent rotation.

[chupe442]

Impact will get that nut off.. Replace the whole hub and dont buy the Orielly (or whatever house brand). There is a reason for it being 60% of the price of the name brand one!

[trapperman83]

If u pull the rotor off you can get to the speed sensor

[lunytnz]

Here is a pic of where the wheel speed sensor connects to the hub... and the splash shield in the way. (finally discovered the attach files section below the bottom of the reply screen)

The 15 mm bolts that hold the splash shield on are so rusted they are not budging... even with the impact wrench!

Maybe after they soak overnight with the penetrating oil... fingers crossed!

[efritz]

You really should heat em up, they will just come right out.

[lunytnz]

Still no luck, today, getting the 15 mm bolts loose. I cranked the air-impact wrench up to the max and still nothing. So, I took a torch to 'em and heated them up and still they won't move.

So, at this point, I can't think of any other options.

BTW, I picked up a 35 mm impact socket and the big nut on the hub *did* come right off with the impact wrench (I didn't even really have to hold the lugs)... if only that were enough to get this job done!

What would a shop do? I can't really hit the bolts, or the hub, with a hammer very well because there's just not much room. Not that I think beating the crap out of it would be successful at this point!

[lunytnz]

I tried heating it up with the torch again and hitting it with the max the air impact wrench had in it. But, the bolts just wouldn't budge, so I had to give up and button it all back up. The truck has been on jack stands for 4 days and I need to use it.

 

I attached a pic of the two bolts (in the middle of the pic) that are holding the splash shield on.

 

I'll say, in all my years of tinkering with cars, I've never run into something like this that I just couldn't make any headway on... sigh.

 

Thanks for the help and ideas... if anyone has any other ideas, I'll try them next time I decide to tackle this.

[txab]

BMF breaker bar

[chupe442]

BMF breaker bar

 

... and a BFH!

[efritz]

What I do is put a (lifetime warranty) six point box wrench on there and hit it HARD with a hammer til it moves the bolts (or breaks) if all else fails... It's cutting torch time!