03 fronthub is kicking my butt

[eaglestar]

I'm trying to replace a hub on my '03 2WD. I got the axle nut and brake parts off no problem. I backed off all three mounting nuts and the whole thing is free of the knuckle.
My problem is I cannot get the hub free of the axle. I put all the tension I could on the puller, soaked the shaft area with PB Blaster and applied plenty of hammer action. It won't budge!
Anybody know something I'm missing? I'm to the point where the only thing I can think of is pulling the whole assembly, hub knuckle and shaft and taking it to a hydraulic press.

Ray

 

[gregd]

I went through the same thing on my 1998 a few years ago. The half shaft was was stuck , held in by rust. Even a decent air hammer wouldn't budge it. I ended up taking the knuckle and half shaft to a local machine shop. They had a hard time but did get them separated.

 

[eaglestar]

That's what I think I'm facing here, Greg. I've got a friend that builds classics and owns an industrial machine shop. I think I'll talk to him and see what he's got for answers. I may have to get the DW to drive me to work while I take the Montana off the road for repairs. The bearing's not too bad yet, not getting loose, so I guess I've got a little time to work it out.

Ray

 

[gregd]

Another option to avoid the down time. The knuckle is a common GM part going for under $35 shipped on E-bay. The new half shafts aren't much more.

______________________________

 

[eaglestar]

Been kind of busy lately, haven't had time to work on the van. (Medical and other issues)

I did talk with my machinist friend; his solution is go to the junkyard and get a used hub and shaft (scrap the existing good CV shaft!)

The guy at the auto machine shop says he can do it, for a small phenomenal fee.

I'm looking at the 12-ton press at HF, wonder if that would do it. The shop guy doesn't think his 20-ton he beefy enough, he's talking 60 or 90-ton. Is he being pessimistic?

I'm starting to think maybe a cutoff wheel is the answer, taking care not to scar the shaft splines. Anybody tried anything like that? Think it'll work? The existing hub is scrap anyway so...

Ray

 

[sergeimoskva]

Hi !
Disconnect the ABS sensor

Remove the bolts, remove the support and hang on the wire hook

Loosen the the bolts and disconnect the front shock absorber

Separate the tie rod end from the knuckle

Separate the ball joint from the knuckle

Remove the clamp on the bellow . Remove the bellow from Joint .

To unclench retaining ring

Pull out the off the shaft steering knuckle with hub and Joint
When remove the entire mechanism - you will be convenient to remove the hub
Good luck to you !