2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Sport - 2WD - 2 Wheel ABS

Took my truck to a dealer and they wanted $600+ to replace my 2 front wheel bearing/hub assembly.
Autozone had them for $78 each.

I was able to take off the rotor but the hub assembly is stuck inside the rotor. I wasn't going to replace the rotor and from what I've been told I should have too.

Everything I've found online is about replacing the rotor so no-one has made a good explanation as to how to remove the parts without damaging the rotors.

I've attempted a rubber hammer to the back of the rotor and the screws.
I've attempted to slam it down on the concrete as straight as possible.
I've added a wd-40 and another really good lubricant to the crevasses.
And still nothing will move....

Can anyone out there help me?
Thanks in advance.

 

I will move this to the 2nd generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

Hi Snipe,

You don't need to replace the rotor.
Can you post a picture? I'm a little confused with your post.

Basically you remove the caliper, pull the rotor off, and then you have the bearing hub still attached to the spindle. Remove the nut from axle and pull the bearing/hub right off.

I think from your post that you took the hub/bearing/rotor off all together. In that case try some heat around the hub/rotor seam.

It may be easier to put it back on the truck, it can be a pain to get them apart (read as 'bigger hammer').

Good luck.

 

I had a look at the Napa site at the front bearing for my '01 QC. From what you are describing. Remove from the truck then on the bench, I would support the rotor on some blocks then place another block of wood between the studs and give it a good solid WHACK! with a BFH. On reassembly, I would put a thin skim of anti-seize across the bearing hat.
Keep us posted of your progress.

 

After several hours of messing with the assembly and rotor, I moved on to the other parts I needed to replace. Before I did I soaked some WD-40 into the crevasses and let it sit there for about 2 hours.

When I came back to it, I steadily and evenly slammed the rotor down on the cement, bolts downward. After a couple more times of that it finally broke free.

The left side wasn't near as difficult. Still stuck, but no WD-40 required and it broke free after a couple of smacks on the concrete.

Thanks for the reply.

 

Its easier to pull the rotor off while the hub is still bolted to the truck.