Automatic Hub Removal

[GalDemSuga]

Folks, I have a huge problem and need help. The front driver's wheel hub is rocking causing the rim to grind on the brake assembly. I believe the spindle nut may have come loose. I had the ball joints replaced and the shop may not have torqued everything correctly.

I am attempting to remove the locking hubs and I'm lost after removing the 6 bolts and cap

 

[Thunder]

There is a snap ring on the axle that needs to come off.
Then look at the outer edge of the hub. you will see a small metal plate. pull it off and you will see 2 peg lookin things. Squeese them thgether with a pair of needle nose. This compresses the outer retaining ring. Pull the hub off. Helps to screw a couple of the bolts back in the hub to pull on.
Once the hub pulls out
There are 2 spindle nuts outer and inner, inner nut sets preload on the bearings. outer nut is tightend to 150 ft lbs. Inner nut has a peg on it that the holes on the lock ring must align with. You will need a special 4 prong socket to tighten up the spindle nuts.

 

[onetonbb74]

yep, what he said.

Re torque the inner spindle nut to 50 ft/lbs to seat the bearing, then back off completly and retorque until the bearing preload is found (I spin the tire while doing this to see how tight the bearings are) once you find the sweet spot, grab that holy washer and find the little tab on it and try to line up the keyway and the tab so it sits flush against the inner spindle nut(this might require you flipping the washer around or moving the inner spindle nut). If you have to move the spindle nut, always tighten it a little instead of backing it off. Once its fully seated, then torque the outter spindle nut to 150ft/ lbs. Spin the hub and make sure its ready, then put the locking hub back on and your done.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Folks, I have a huge problem and need help. The front driver's wheel hub is rocking causing the rim to grind on the brake assembly. I believe the spindle nut may have come loose. I had the ball joints replaced and the shop may not have torqued everything correctly.

I am attempting to remove the locking hubs and I'm lost after removing the 6 bolts and cap

Take the truck back to the shop that did the work and have them figure out why you're having a problem and have them fix it (free of charge or course assuming it is their mistake).

 

[GalDemSuga]

Take the truck back to the shop that did the work and have them figure out why you're having a problem and have them fix it (free of charge or course assuming it is their mistake).

i would but its 898 miles away. I was able to get the hub off with the great info that you guys posted. thanks. the drivers side autohub is trashed and so are the wheel bearings. i have to get someone with a totch to cut off the remainder of the bearings as they are stuck on the shaft.

turns out that the spindle nuts weren't torqued, its a huge mess as i was able to back them off with my hands.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Anyway to document the damage and send the shop a bill to at least cover the replacement parts?

 

[GNERGY]

If you can get a dremel tool with the little cut off wheel or a hand grinder ( 4 1/2 in. ) and cut a groove in the stuck bearing. Then take a chisel and smack the groove, you can get the bearing to crack and get it off. I have had to do that a couple times on friends vehicles.
Tarey

 

[GalDemSuga]

Anyway to document the damage and send the shop a bill to at least cover the replacement parts?

I called them about it and they politely informed me that I had a 30 days warranty which is now expired
I'll be up that way in about a week or so and I intend to hammer this out.

I got a guy at the local GMC dealership to cut off the bearings. So now I'm back at home trying to rebuild the spindle hub. The little bearing in the back is giving me hell to remove. Any tips on removing it. I tried a large screwdriver but it simply broke the rollers off and now the housing is stuck in there.