Need help removing front wheel hub assembly

[CrackerVUE]

I know much of this has been discussed to death, but I got all jazzed up to replace my noisy wheel hub assembly and...I can't get the old one out.

I know that these get rusted in (mine's an '03 w/78K miles) but, damn!

Someone mentioned a block of wood and a hammer, someone else mentioned a sledgehammer :whoa:, I just want to get this thing out without damaging anything.

Also, after removing the three bolts and the axel nut, is there anything other than rust that would be keeping the old assembly in there?

Thanks!

[IMkenNY]

After removing the axle nut you should be able to push the shaft in slightly (~1") You may need penetrating fluid and or a shaft pusher to free up the axle shaft in the hub. Once you have the shaft loose in the hub then attempt to drive or pull the hub off the knuckle.

[CrackerVUE]

I would not have thought to push the shaft in. I'll take advantage of my day off and give it a go.

Thanks a lot!

[CrackerVUE]

Is there such a thing as super-rust!? I still cannot get the hub off the knuckel. I tried penetrating fluid, heat, and grit. I have a feeling that God is pi$$ed at me.

With optimal conditions, is it best to pull the hub forward off of the knuckel, or somehow push it through from behind?

Being that I have limited resources, I was trying to avoid buying new tools (which is hard!), but it appears that I may need to. :hmm:


Edit: spelling

[IMkenNY]

Rust would only be a factor with the axle shaft, If the axle shaft is free in the hub then your good to go.
After removing the three hub bolts I loosen up the hub in the knuckel by rotating the outer hub casing with a hammer and punch. Once it is loose you can use a slide hammer to pull it off or pry against the pivoted hub legs and knuckle.

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

PB blaster, then thread the nut back on a few threads, then take a small 2x4, place it over the shaft, and beat the snot out of it to break it loose.

[CrackerVUE]

I appreciate all of the help!

I can push the shaft in with no problems but the hub will not come out, rotate, or budge...period. I know I that there's nothing else holding it in there, but I'm at my wits end here.

I'm going to give it another shot in a day or two, hopefully I'll report back here with better results.

One last peripheral question, shouldn't the non-ABS wheel hub be missing the little sensor/wire? I ask because I know I do not have ABS, yet I have the little sensor/wire in the hub.

[IMkenNY]

Unfortunately the right front hub has and does require the more expensive ABS wheel speed sensor hub even though your Vue doesnt have ABS. I have yet to see an aftermarket supplier have that information correct in their parts catalog.

[ssicarman]

I appreciate all of the help!

I can push the shaft in with no problems but the hub will not come out, rotate, or budge...period. I know I that there's nothing else holding it in there, but I'm at my wits end here.

I'm going to give it another shot in a day or two, hopefully I'll report back here with better results.

One last peripheral question, shouldn't the non-ABS wheel hub be missing the little sensor/wire? I ask because I know I do not have ABS, yet I have the little sensor/wire in the hub.

If your present bearing assmebly does not have the ABS wiring they sold you the wrong and more than likley more expensive bearing assm.


As for getting it out:
More penetrating fluid and a bigger hammer. The hubs tend to rust and the aluminum knuckles tend to "rust" as well. Depending on your winter salt conditions this can make things real tight.
Bigger hammer and alternate sides top and bottoms while hitting it will eventually get it out. No need to worry about damaging it when removing it because you are replacing it.
Also try a chisel (shatrp one with a good slope on it) between the knuckle and hub. Tap/hammer it in to try and force things out of place. Try not to damage the knuckle doing this.

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

I didnt realize which step you were talking about.... sorry. Just keep spraying, whacking, and prying. It will come off. And like he says... dont worry about breaking it, you arent reusing it.... now the knuckle, dont pry too hard against it..

It is a good stress releiver!



As for getting it out:
More penetrating fluid and a bigger hammer. The hubs tend to rust and the aluminum knuckles tend to "rust" as well. Depending on your winter salt conditions this can make things real tight.
Bigger hammer and alternate sides top and bottoms while hitting it will eventually get it out. No need to worry about damaging it when removing it because you are replacing it.
Also try a chisel (shatrp one with a good slope on it) between the knuckle and hub. Tap/hammer it in to try and force things out of place. Try not to damage the knuckle doing this.