Crimedog

Hi folks, Dad's truck has a really bad u joint after plowing this last snow storm. On the 3rd Gen, is there any trick to removing the hub and not breaking it in the process? I know on 2nd Gens, we leave the hub nut tight and then separate the hub from the knuckle so the bearing stays together. Can you do that on the 3rd Gens?

Thanks guys!

Its All Good

I know on a 05 you need to remove the axleshaft cotter pin, hub nut, and washer. Then remove the 4 bolts on the back of the steering knuckle, then you can remove the hub bearing from the steering knuckle. After that you can pull the alxe shaft out and change out the u-joints.

dbossdiesel

I second that of the prevoius post from "Its All Good". Done it before and doing it again at 74k miles. Ball joints and U joints!

Crimedog

So you 3rd gen guys haven't had an issue with the hub bearing separating when removing it? Thanks a lot guys, there's another 8" or so on the way for Thursday so this definitely needs to get done!

Its All Good

I haven't had a bearing come apart, but the bearings are sealed units, the only time is when I had a bad bearing.

Crimedog

Well, just to tie this thread up, I'm 2 hours away from home at college and my brother ended up taking Dad's truck in to Tires Plus to get the U joint done and the ball joints on that side. I used to work at that Tires Plus and know the mechanic and it hurts me to say that he butchered it badly. A $500 job turned into a $1300 bill. He broke the hub bearing taking it off, as they usually just put a slide hammer on the studs and pull. He also "had" to break the rotor to separate it from the hub. If he wouldn't have broke the bearing he wouldn't have had to break the rotor.... what a mess. I just with I would have gotten home to do it and save dad $1000. And yes, I told my brother he should know better and demand the parts at cost and a discount on labor, but knowing him he'll just leave it be. Oh well, the truck is back up and running again and ready for the snow on Thursday. Thanks for your help though guys.