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Pulling Jeep Hub

So, I'm trying to replace the front passenger hub of my 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee (4WD / 6Cyl). I've removed the lock nut, the ABS sensor, and the three bolts that hold the hub assembly onto the car. I couldn't hammer the hub off, as the Haynes manual suggested I should be able to, so I rented a hub puller (actually, now, 2 hub pullers...a slide- hammer type and a turn-the-bolt type...both attach to the lug nuts).

Unfortunately, however, instead of removing the hub assembly in one piece, I've managed to pull the hub assembly apart. There are two pieces that are supposed to remain together, with the bearings in between. The outer part of the hub with the lug nuts is currently sitting in my lawn, and the inner portion that connects to the car is still attached, presumably by rust...I can see the actual bearings, which, from what I understand, is not supposed to happen.

I've done my best to attach the two pullers in various ways to this inner portion of the hub, but I just can't get it off of the car. I've tried penetrating oil, and a propane torch too. Aside from having the now-incapacitated car towed to the Jeep dealer, does anybody have any suggestions on how to get the rest of this hub off of the car, so I can put my new hub on?

Your help is very much appreciated!

Thanks, Tom

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Welcome to the "I can't get the hub off" club. Very exclusive club. Charter members are almost anyone who has tried to do this on any salt country jeep over 10 years old.

Usual method is to jack the front end as high as you can safely get it, you need room directly underneath it. Saturate the hub to knuckle area with a good pentrating oil like Kroil or PB Blaster. Don't even think about WD-40, it won't work. Let this soak over night at least. Get a sacraficial bolt to insert in the lower hole, back it out about 2 turns. Get a BIG hammer and go at it. Hammer needs to be at least a 3 pounder, nothing smaller. (I have a 6 pound hammer made from the remmants of a full size sledge hammer!)

A not very good alternate approach is to pound a chisel or wedge inbetween the kuckle and the hub assembly. I have a chisel forged from an old car axle that works for this, very sharp end, very tough steel, very heavy duty.

I wouldn't feel too embarrassed about hav> So, I'm trying to replace the front passenger hub of my 97 Jeep Grand

Reply to
RoyJ

Oh, good, a new club! ;-)

Thanks for the suggestions. I've just sprayed some penetrating oil on it, and I guess I'll give it another try in the morning. At least I know I'm not the only one who's struggled with this...

Thanks, Tom

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I got it!!!!!! Either the overnight penetrating oil worked, or I woke up with an especially strong desire to beat the crap out of that hub, but I managed to pound the thing off the car, and get the new hub on just in time to get to work ;-)

Thanks, Tom

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Congrats! Letting the pentrating oil do it's job certainly helps.

PS: I h>>Welcome to the "I can't get the hub off" club. Very exclusive club.

Reply to
RoyJ

I find cutting the steering from one side to the other gives me room to swing the BFH at the sacrificial bolt as I move it from hole to hole.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's - Gone to the rust pile... Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view! Jan/06
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Reply to
Mike Romain

Er, I sanded the rust off of the knuckle, but didn't think to apply anti-seize compound ;-(...Oh well, hopefully the steering knuckle won't break while I still own the car...

I think it's a CV joint.

Thanks, Tom

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