02 hub removal

[wecker20]

How in the world do you get to the bolts on the hub assy w/o removing the knuckle from the half shaft? I'm thinking you can't? What size are the bolts holding the hub assy. on? 18mm...everything else was standard?? My hub is fried, it's setting in the driveway looking sad and I need to get this off. If I need to remove the knuckle, is there a safe way to remove the tie rod and upper ball joint with out the "special tool"?

thanks

[angus10]

IIRC it's a 14mm socket 12 point, use an impact socket not a regular one. And to get to them you have to turn the steering wheel left and right depending on which bolt(s) of the 3 you are removing.

[wecker20]

18 mm standard. Just got it off yesterdsay after letting it soak for two days. Still was a pita to get off. Was able to push the axle shaft in far enough to get to them.