Can I heat the king pin assembly with a torch?
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Can I heat the king pin assembly with a torch?
I am in the process of putting new front upper and lower ball joints in my 2005 Dodge 4wd pickup. It is a 2500. I am now trying to remove the front wheel bearing off the pickup. I have 2 of the 4 bolts completely out and the other 2 cracked loose and screwed out about a 1/4" I have an 18MM socket on those 2 remaining bolts and a small porta power pushing between the frame and these 2 bolt/socket combinations. The wheel bearing assembly will NOT bust loose from the cast kingpin assembly. Can I heat the cast iron kingpin to get the wheel bearing assembly to come off ? I have zapped it with an air hammer while the porta power pressure is on and it still won't pop loose? Heating it is my next choice but worried that I could distort it.
If you have upper and lower ball joints, Then you would have a king pin. You would have an axle assy. Yes the heat could distort the axle assy if it gets too hot. If you have a lot of rust on the front end. Soak it with WD40 or ATF and leave it over night.
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
I think that should be: "Wouldn't have a kingpin".......
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: TN
Not WD-40. A quality penetrating oil like PBlaster, Kroll, etc.
All Star
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Chesapeake, VA
A picture of your current situation would be helpful.
I think what you are asking is, "how do I separate the wheel bearing from the steering knuckle?" Let me know if I misunderstand.
Mastertech gives good advice about soaking the area. I'd add that PB Blaster could be used also.
Can you get a pry bar or screwdriver between the bearing and knuckle?
I think what you are asking is, "how do I separate the wheel bearing from the steering knuckle?" Let me know if I misunderstand.
Mastertech gives good advice about soaking the area. I'd add that PB Blaster could be used also.
Can you get a pry bar or screwdriver between the bearing and knuckle?
Grand Champion
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,158
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From: S.W. Indiana
I am in the process of putting new front upper and lower ball joints in my 2005 Dodge 4wd pickup. It is a 2500. I am now trying to remove the front wheel bearing off the pickup. I have 2 of the 4 bolts completely out and the other 2 cracked loose and screwed out about a 1/4" I have an 18MM socket on those 2 remaining bolts and a small porta power pushing between the frame and these 2 bolt/socket combinations. The wheel bearing assembly will NOT bust loose from the cast kingpin assembly. Can I heat the cast iron kingpin to get the wheel bearing assembly to come off ? I have zapped it with an air hammer while the porta power pressure is on and it still won't pop loose? Heating it is my next choice but worried that I could distort it.
I don't think I've seen a king pin on a Dodge truck since the 1971 straight axle truck I had years ago. I recently did my wheel bearing on my '96 Ram and I just took the steering knuckle off, braced it on wood and wailed away with a DBH until I drove the bearing assembly out.
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 87,482
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From: Clayton MI
I don't think I've seen a king pin on a Dodge truck since the 1971 straight axle truck I had years ago. I recently did my wheel bearing on my '96 Ram and I just took the steering knuckle off, braced it on wood and wailed away with a DBH until I drove the bearing assembly out.
How many miles on the bearings? Are you planning on reinstalling them? If yes, then don't use heat. Chems, a big hammer, and possibly a chisel would be best..... (well, better anyway....)
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Grand Champion
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 724
From: S.W. Indiana
If I pull bearings that are difficult to get out, I replace them. Considering the effort involved, I'm lazy enough to over come the internal cheapskate.
