30 yr old hubs, How hard can this be?

[E1]

My 1996 Rosemist has developed a distinctive growl that I did not like.

My diagnosis? Time for new front wheel bearings and hubs.

~30 yr old car, never been apart. How hard can this be?...... (Hint - ONE blow torch was not enough)

Job was hateful. Could not get steel hub to release from Aluminum spindle without a huge fight.

2 blow torches on the aluminum and a 5 pound sledge hammer later and the car saw things my way.

New hubs in place, test run is done. Growling is gone. Passenger's side bearing was shot, for the record.

 

[ScotSHO]

I live in NY so I know about rust. Here are a couple of unsolicited tips. To get out a hub you need to heat the knuckle only. Heating the old hub will actually make it "grow" and fight you even more. Also, is that MAPP gas or just propane? Propane doesn't get hot enough. Oxy-acetylene torches are the best, and MAPP gas burns at a similar temp. Finally a slide hammer is another tool that can make the process go quicker. Many times it's just easier to remove the knuckle and put it in a press.

All in all a sucky job.

 

[E1]

2 tanks of MAPP gas. Both applied only to the spindle, not the hub.

I almost made a slide hammer...

 

[Irish Pride]

No heat needed to remove hubs no matter how stuck they are. Knock one of the studs out and use a long bolt with a matching nut and an impact and the hub will fall out in seconds. Use the nut on the backside of the hub and hold with a wrench while you use the impact on the bolt. It will press itself out with zero effort.

-Chad

 

[Tbird6]

Glad you got it out!
Hope some anti-seize was used when re-assembled?
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