proper procedure to remove the front hub nut

[NetNinja]

Hey all.

After a week of screwing with the rear suspension replacement, I am now starting on the front suspension replacment.

1. How do you get the front hub nut off with just hand tools?

2. Why is a 28mm deep well socket so elusive?

3. Does anybody sell the 28mm deep well socket by itself? I see impact set kits, but DAMN nobody sells a 28mm deep well socket. Any sources?

4. is it nesscary to remove the front hub assembly to replace the strut?
I was trying to remove the strut but was worriued about putting to much downward pressure on the drive axle.

 

[Shoaz]

You don't need to pull the hub or the hub nut to change the strut. The strut is held to the knuckle with a pinch bolt, and the knuckle assembly can then be popped off the bottom of the strut with some leverage effort. Most folks use a pipe or prybar and leverage against the bottom of the subframe and the tension rod or LCA. It takes a bit of effort, but you won't have to remove the knuckle/hub.

And BTW, places like Sears usually sell the socket for the hub nut. It's a common GM hub nut size, so it shouldn't be that elusive.

 

[NetNinja]

Thanks for the reply

Nope no dice. I drove for an hour trying to find a place that sells 28mm and 29mm deep well sockets.

Sears Nope
NAPA Nope
Autozone Nope
Advanced Auto Nope
SnapOn Online Nope
Mactools Online Nope

If I want to replace my front bearings I will have to remove the nut

Amazon.com has some afiliation with some tools and I ordered a 28mm and 29mm deep well impact socket.

Go figure, they seem to be as rare as hens teeth.

 

[SHO Type U]

You only need to remove the front hub nuts to replace the spindles(Or halfshafts) to do the brake upgrade if you have the shos from '89-'93 or if your installing 13" brakes in general.

As far as the socket size, its a 30mm.

 

[K-Dawg]

The hub nut socket can be borrowed from AutoZone. I believe it is 30mm. Loosen the nut with the car on the ground w/ the parking brake engaged, or with an assistant holding down the brake pedal. I use a big breaker bar with a PVC pipe extension on it.

 

[SHO Type U]

All you need is the 30mm socket and a 1/2" breaker bar. Its easiest to loosen the hub nuts with the wheels on the ground as stated. Make sure you also use wheels choks to support the rear tires.

I will agree with a few of you, safety first.

 

[NetNinja]

Thanks dudes.

You guys Rock!

 

[S_Mazza]

Craftsman has a 30mm for $6.99. They really do have almost anything, but the individual store may or may not stock the item. You can order things from the Craftsman site directly. I found a 36mm for my Thunderbird's hub nut at my local store.

If I were a juvenile young man, I might say "My Sears is better than yours!!!" ... but I'll refrain.

 

[NetNinja]

Huh?

I have a Sears tool catalog and I don't see it. If you have a part # I would sure appreciate it.

Oops! update! I found the socket but a standard socket won't work, you need a deepwell socket to clear the hub bolt.

 

[projectSHO89]

AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts - $10-$15 and you own it. 30 mm.

Just used mine today!

Send the 28 and 29 mm sockets back.

Sears does NOT carry the correct sockets for these nuts in their retail stores.

Steve

 

[NetNinja]

Found one

Ebay had one.

$6.99 + shipping.

I couldn't find the tool at AutoZone or Advanced Auto. NAPA was worthless.

 

[UnsungZero]

You Could Stalk A Matco or Snap-On Driver

 

[Shoaz]

AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts - $10-$15 and you own it. 30 mm.

Just used mine today!

Send the 28 and 29 mm sockets back.

Sears does NOT carry the correct sockets for these nuts in their retail stores.

Steve

Bought mine at Sears, used it several times, no problem.

 

[projectSHO89]

Bought mine at Sears, used it several times, no problem.

Was. Not available anymore in the store.

Steve

 

[Shoaz]

Different stores vary in what they stock, it probably just depends on your local Sears.