Wheel bearing bad at only 60K miles. Bought new SKF from NAPA for 118.00 each, dealer wanted 265.00 each. Knuckle still installed but- axle nut removed, brake caliper hanging from wire, brake disc removed, bolts out of assembly. Problem is the "hub assembly" won't separate from knuckle. I was told by several mechanics, that I should be able to get this off without removing the knuckle, but this won't come off. I have even tried attaching a slide hammer to the lug nuts. Is it possible these are so tight they are pressed in and out? It is not specifically mentioned in the Chilton manual.

 

Hi, I doubt if you are still having this problem. But if there are any others out there having this same problem just spray the mating joints with some WD40. Wait a few minutes, then turn the knuckle until you can see the back of the hub and then take the hammer to it and knock it out. It will take probably a dozen hits or so, but it will come right out.

 

Same car (04 stratus coupe 3.0 R/T) front Wheel bearings... I took apart the caliper, bracket, rotor, and axle nut but I am not able to get to the bolts for the hub. I've tried to back the halfshaft out but it's not budging. I was wondering if there is something that I'm not doing, or if someone has in tips. A full procedure for replacing the hub bearing would be greatly appreciated!

 

I had the same problem. The axle would not back out of the hub assembly. I used a good size puller attached to the front of the hub assembly case to push the axle out of the hub assembly. Let me know if that worked!