97 2500 4x4, I'm replacing rotors and can't get the hubs off, big nut is off and four bolts on back side of hub that hold it to the knuckle. I can't get em to budge, I've done it before on a chevy that looks just like this one. Axle is free in the hub. I tried wackin the rotor once to see if it would break it loose. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

Soak the back of the hub where it fits into the steering knuckle down with WD40 or something. Put the bolts back in almost all the way, use an extension and socket as a drift. I had to alternate sides and turn the wheels for room to swing the hammer. Put Neversieze on everything so it'll be easier to get apart next time.

 

Is it alright to put a puller on the hub and push on the axle shaft? Don't want to booger any thing up in the pig. Thanks.

 

I know exactly what you're going through.I have fought with the hubs on these for years,until now. This is so simple i am ashamed i didn't think of it years ago.This is how we handle it at the dealer.Remove all the bolts retaining the hub to the knuckle(you said you already did this)Now take a medium length impact socket and place it between the U-joint and the axle housing with the steering wheel turned enough to fit the socket between the two. Start the truck and turn the steering wheel so that the socket will push the hub out of the knuckle. works for me and does not damage the bolts or the hub like pullers or hitting the bolts will do. LOL TGCTD

 

Thanks for the input guys!I tried TGCTD's trick and got her. Just like clock work! It's amazing what a guy can learn from this site. Thanks again. <br>carty

 

[quote author=TGCTD link=board=13;threadid=9166;start=0#88097 date=1041648936]<br>I know exactly what you're going through.I have fought with the hubs on these for years,until now. This is so simple i am ashamed i didn't think of it years ago.This is how we handle it at the dealer.Remove all the bolts retaining the hub to the knuckle(you said you already did this)Now take a medium length impact socket and place it between the U-joint and the axle housing with the steering wheel turned enough to fit the socket between the two. Start the truck and turn the steering wheel so that the socket will push the hub out of the knuckle. works for me and does not damage the bolts or the hub like pullers or hitting the bolts will do. LOL TGCTD<br>[/quote]<br><br>Great tip TGCTD. This should be in the Tech Facts.

 

berner, I thought that this was slicker than snot when when i first saw it. That is what i like about this site.Their is a lot of smart people on this site sharing some really great info. Goes to show you it's never to late to learn something new. And i have too learned a great deal from all of these posts. TGCTD

 

[quote author=TGCTD link=board=13;threadid=9166;start=0#88459 date=1041740806]<br> berner, I thought that this was slicker than snot when when i first saw it. That is what i like about this site.Their is a lot of smart people on this site sharing some really great info. Goes to show you it's never to late to learn something new. And i have too learned a great deal from all of these posts. TGCTD <br>[/quote]<br><br>I've got to agree with you 100%. I didn't have too much trouble getting the hub off. Now, replacing the passenger side axle seal is another story. Brutal to get started straight. If I ever have to do it again I'm going to buy the proper tool. Don't care how much it costs. It'll still be cheaper than the $400 labor the dealer quoted me.