So my front bearing went out on my 2000 Dakota 4.7. I have everything taken apart and the new one ready to go HOWEVER I cant get the dang bolts that attach the hub to the spindle loose to save my fricking life. I've coated them with PB blaster and tried tapping them loose with a hammer and still am not having any luck. Heres my questions for anyone thats done it is 9/16th's the correct size or is it 14mm I've heard both. Also I can't get a good fit with a socket because of the stupid CV boot is in the way, can I just tap the spindle loose and move it out of the way? I've seen some people take the whole CV off and then you have access but I'm already having a hard time with the bolts I have now....
Also I don't have air tools or power tools I'm not sure you can fit a air socket in there. Any help figuring this out would be extremely helpful. This is my only vehicle and I'm having a hard time getting around without it. Thanks

 

I believe I used 14mm and a big breaker bar.

Keep using PB blaster and try some heat - I use a blowtorch.

You should be able to get a socket in there, just turn the wheels to give you more room

Once you get the bolts out and need to pry the rusted hub off of the spindle is where I had a hell of a time... lots of PB and bashing with a hammer and rock chisel.

Good luck

 

Thanks SXR, just getting pretty frustrating cause I'm not getting a real good fit so one of my bolts is starting to round which if it does it too much I'm totally screwed so I need to figure out how to take care of it soon lol. Thanks

 

Been a while since I changed one but they are metric. Use a 6 point socket!

I used an extension on the socket and turned the wheel a bit so I could gain access.

Then I had to use a small chisel to separate the hub from the spindle.

This was the 4wd hub, not the 2wd.

 

If you round it too much, hammer a 13mm socket over it. You'll need to replace the bolt but that won't be difficult if you take one of the good ones to a hardware store.

 

Ah good call I've never tried that before but sounds like it would work, can you get a bolt from a hardware store or does it have to be from the dealer. I called Dodge and there $10 a piece!!!

 

You should definitely be able to find one from a hardware store.

Just make sure the the thread size and length are the same. It doesn't need to be a 14mm head (although its nice).

Just make sure to go with a Grade 5 or higher to be safe.

 

i used a short 6 point socket with an extension on mine. (worse case scenario, take the that holds the hub bearing off completely. chisel or grind the heads off the bolt and replace the bolts.)

 

Nut cutter/splitter then get 3 new nuts. I've got 3 different size nuts and I have no problems.