Wheel hub assembly

[kyleag89]

Ok so I have to change my wheel U-joints, but I can't get my wheel hubs out. On my fathers truck I used a 12 point socket to remove the three bolts, but mine are far too rusty to use a 12 point. Anyone have any ideas, other than grinding the heads off and having to buy new wheel bearings and trying to find 6 new bolts?

[foreman1063]

If the heads are too rusty to get a 12 point socket or wrench on, try one of the sockets designed for damaged bolt heads. Also heat the area of the knuckle around the bolts. Heat does wonders for loosening up rusty bolts.

You'll have to replace the bolts but if they're that rusty you probably should anyway.

[Geonovast]

 

They're a 12 point 13mm head. Soak them with PB, a lot, and try a wire brush to clean up the heads. I don't think the bolt-out sockets will work very well, as those suckers are torqued down quite a bit.

[dasbulliwagen]

If you have room to clean them up, soak them with PB, and then start with a 1/2" 12 point, as half inch is slightly smaller than 13mm, then go to 12 mm 12 pt socket hammered on if the half don't work. Good luck.

[kyleag89]

Thanks, Do you think I can buy new bolts from the stealership? The only store around that even sells bolts around me is the home depot or lowes. I'm sure you guys know they have a very limited selection of bolts.

[Eagle]

Dealer is probably the ONLY source for those bolts.

[kyleag89]

Ok good to hear. Thanks eagle

[kyleag89]

Check these out! Look like they were made for a Comanche wheel hub! HAHA

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-accessories/7-piece-3-8-eighth-inch-metric-spline-socket-set-96362.html

[mvusse]

After having split many 3/8" drive sockets on those bolts, I have to disagree. 1/2" drive socket is a must, unless you want to run the the store to exchange a broken socket each time you need to remove a unit bearing.

[Geonovast]

I've always been able to pull mine out with a 12 pt box wrench, using the two wrench trick to pop it loose, then a ratcheting wrench to work it out.

[foreman1063]

I've always been able to pull mine out with a 12 pt box wrench, using the two wrench trick to pop it loose, then a ratcheting wrench to work it out.

I don't live in the rust belt so really never had a big problem removing mine. As as a rule though, when reinstalling I always put anti-seize on the bolts, heads and around the unit bearing surface, where it fits in the knuckle. Cheap insurance for future removals.