I'm working on replacing my ball joints, tie rods, and axle u joint. I have the upper ball joint out on the passenger side but still can't get the steering knuckle off because of the lower one and also I'm still attached to the axle u joint. From what I've read it looks like I have to remove the hub nut and pull the hub off. By doing this will it allow me to slide the axle out and drop the steering knuckle off the lower ball joint? I was also wonder about my axle u joints, there is no visible clips holding the joint cups in, are they pressed in? or am I missing something, I've checked and both sides are the same. Any help would be appreciated, one more thing what size socket do I need to remove the wheel hub nut, (metric or standard) ? Thanks, Steve

 

Yes, removing the hub will allow you to pull the shaft. There are three 12-point bolts on each side holding the hub on (plus the one holding the shaft onto the hub). Easiest way to get it off is to remove the bolt holding the shaft in place, loosen all three of the back bolts and then use a hammer to the bolts to push the hub out. My recommendation is to hammer onto a socket and not the bolt head itself so you don't damage the bolt head.

The socket size on my 01 is a 1 11/16" for the nut on the shaft. Sears has them, not sure about other places. They aren't cheap though, I remember that much.

The clips for the U-joints are on the inside of the yokes, they are little C-shaped things. First time I saw that style it threw me off too. The axle shaft joints are kind of a pain to press out (more so that driveshaft joints at least), at least mine were.

Hope this helps.

 

see here. a picture is worth a 1000 words.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/hub.php

 

Awesome pictures, love the detail, thanks alot. I am gonna have to wait until Monday to continue since I don't have a 1-11/16" socket to remove the hub. So my truck will be sitting on jack stands until then. Again thanks, pictures are definetly worth 1000 words.

Steve

 

if you have an Advance or Autozone they loan/rent tools and are open late, incl sunday. you "buy" the tool with a deposit (credit card is the easiest) and then they return the deposit when you return the tool. sweet deal.

oops. never mind... i see you're up in the north pole..

 

Ya, unfortunately the small little town I live in roll up the streets a 9pm and the closest town with anything like that is right around 2 hours drive one way, so I was able to order the socket from an industrial supply store , (about an hours drive away) and they told me that it will be in Monday afternoon. When I go into work on Monday, I'll ask a few of the mechanics if they have one to try and save a few bucks, but I thought I'd better order it just in case. Just one of the down sides of living at an end of the road town.