Hub/bearing assembly issues

[moliva1568]

I'm in the process of changing out the bearing assembly in my 98 cavalier. I'm having difficulty getting the old one out. After a few wacks I thought I made progress but I think i may have made it worse. The assembly came apart and now half of it is stuck inside the knuckle (I think that's the name) now I have nothing to pull on to try and get it out. Any suggestions or info on a tool that might help? I've attached pictures to show what's stuck.

[gmtech1]

Use a hammer and chisel between the hub housing and the knuckle. Work your way around the housing.

[moliva1568]

Originally Posted by gmtech1

Use a hammer and chisel between the hub housing and the knuckle. Work your way around the housing.

that's what i figured. i didn't want to risk damage to the axle though. i'm going to undo the knuckle so i can pull the axle out and have room to get behind.

thanks

[vgames33]

You can hit the ears of the bearing to try to spin it. I suggest you thread the axle nut onto the axle shaft to prevent damage to the threads in the event of a stray hammer swing. Heating the knuckle and using penetrating oil may also help. You can also use a chisel or screwdriver as a wedge to get between the bearing and knuckle.

If you have access to one, an air hammer makes very quick work of these jobs.

[moliva1568]

Originally Posted by vgames33

You can hit the ears of the bearing to try to spin it. I suggest you thread the axle nut onto the axle shaft to prevent damage to the threads in the event of a stray hammer swing. Heating the knuckle and using penetrating oil may also help. You can also use a chisel or screwdriver as a wedge to get between the bearing and knuckle.

If you have access to one, an air hammer makes very quick work of these jobs.

No access to an air hammer unfortunately. I was using a hammer and screwdriver but I haven't made too much progress. I even broke the tip off the screwdriver. I'll have to move to a chisel now.

[vgames33]

When all else fails, get a bigger hammer. Its amazing what a pound or two larger can do. Just beat the hell out of it. Any nicks or burrs from the chisel can be filed down.

When you get it apart, run a bit of sandpaper around in there and coat the new assembly in some anti seize. Wheel hubs seem to have a high defect rate, especially with GM products.

[oldblu65]

If you go to your local Autozone , you can rent the appropriate puller to get the thing off . You just need to move it out far enough to engage the ears of the puller arms behind it . The puller will make a huge difference ! I say that from experience ! You might get it out the previously mentioned way but risk injuring yourself , damaging your vehicle , and " losing your religion " . Really , the puller is the way to go . Good luck !

[moliva1568]

Finally got it off thanks to the big hammer and chisel. Check out two of the bearings

[shorod]

Wow, congrats on getting that replaced. Looks like it may have been a bit overdue.

-Rod