I'm doing the ball joints on my 06, 4WD cummins and I simply can not get the front rotor off. There are no cir-clips holding the wheel studs. I tried using a larger gear puller, but I don't want to warp the rotor.

Any hints?

 

Try placing a 4x4 wood block ontop of the rotor housing and tapping with a hammer to help loosen the rust. Rotate the rotor every couple of wacks.

 

On the 4x4 models you can't pull just the rotor off because the lug studs are splined into it. You have to remove the big outside axle nut then go behind near the axle u-joint and remove the 4 -9/16 12 point headed bolts that hold the spindle and unit bearing on. Then you can pull the whole assembly off. After you remove the assembly if you need to replace the rotor you can knock the lug studs out and the rotor will come off.

 

spray a little PB or any lube in the center than take a hammer & smack the center section of the rotor. go in between the studs & on the top part where it's still cast looking. just keep hitting til she breaks loose.

 

Be worth your while to search for some of the big posts on changing the ball joints. One key thing to be careful of is separating the wheel bearing unit when pressing it out. There are a lot of tricks and tips for a much easier change.

 

I finally got the brake disc off. Lots of Kroil Oil and a long 2X4 from the other side of the truck to give it a good bang.........Worked like a champ.

But now I can't get the bearing retainer off. I tried the various methods outlined in the various threads on ball joints. All I've done is bend a bunch of socket extensions and ruin a few 18mm sockets. It won't budge.

I soaked it real good with Kroil last night and will try again this morning.

 

you should have just pulled the whole hub assy that is easy to do with the power steering