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Spindle stuck to Hub

Micah72

Micah72

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Kuna, Id
On my '90 Jimmy I'm trying to break it down to change out the ball joints and the stupid spindle seems to be stuck to the knuckle. I've soaked it overnight with the PB and have been whacking the hell out of it with a dead blow and it's only come out about a 1/16th.
Any thoughts on how to get it freed up?
Would heating the knuckle do any good or do I run the risk of ruining the knuckle?
Thanks
 
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When all else fails, you can remove the six studs. Knock out with nut on stud and press back in, or replace with new when done with new ball joints.
 
If you're creating ANY gap at all wedge the tip of a screwdriver in there and hit it from the opposite side. If the gap opens insert the screwdriver deeper and repeat.
 
I looked at being able to knock the studs out but at least 2 of them would get stopped by the axle side ears the ball joints are in

I've also tried pounding from the backside with a screw driver and didn't get anywhere
 
Like nvrenuf says you can can pry and hammer. All you need is a few loose and the tight interference fit will go away. It only takes about a quarter inch to get them loose from the front, not the back.
 
Still have the same problem getting the spindle off.
 
4lb dead blow and don't swing like a girl . back forth / up n down .

and as said get a gap and fill it with a screw driver and wack it the other way . keep doing this .

once out take and remove all the rust from both surfaces and when reassemble time good thick coat of anti-sieze .
 
Got frustrated with it so walked away for some lead therapy while I let some more PB soak
 
I know I will catch a lot of flack for this, but here goes.

Put it back together leaving the 6 nuts a 1/2 a turn loose with locktite on them so they don't back out. Drive it around the block. Jack it up and see if the wheel rocks. If it does, success. Also, the wheel gives you crazy leverage to rock it loose.
 
I've gotten some stubborn ones off by using a block of hard wood laid between the bearing area on the spindle and smash it with a 5 lb hammer up & down like SweetK30 said--it'll eventually separate from the knuckle that way,without resorting to chisels wedged in whatever gap ,which can gouge up the spindle and knuckle hole..

One really "stuck" one I put a bottle jack under the spindle with a block of wood to protect the spindle,jacked up on it some,then used the block of wood and hammer on the "up" side..it came flying off after 3-4 good blows...
 
Came back at it and still no luck. Took the 6 studs out, used a floor jack and block of wood idea and still no movement. I could probably put it back together and take it for a drive but really hate to do that this far in.
Would heat on the knuckle damage anything?
 
What do you have to heat it With?
It wouldn't take a ton with an Oxy-acetylene torch in one spot to make a problem, but if you are careful, you could heat it up. Heat evenly around the knuckle.
I like to spray some penetrating oil on it after heating too. It's smoky and some think dangerous, but it seems to help.
Then use the block and hammer to knock it loose.
 
There is also an old trick of holding a candle to the hot part and letting the wax get wicked into the joint.
I never use that trick much since I don't remember to keep candles at the shop.
 
diesel4me said:
without resorting to chisels wedged in whatever gap ,which can gouge up the spindle and knuckle hole..
...
Click to expand...

If you're gouging the knuckle by doing this you're doing it wrong. Notice I did not say beat it in, simply use something to keep the gap and create leverage while you hit the spindle from the opposite side.
 
6872xtc said:
What do you have to heat it With?
It wouldn't take a ton with an Oxy-acetylene torch in one spot to make a problem, but if you are careful, you could heat it up. Heat evenly around the knuckle.
I like to spray some penetrating oil on it after heating too. It's smoky and some think dangerous, but it seems to help.
Then use the block and hammer to knock it loose.
Click to expand...

I was just going to try using a small Benzo torch. Probably wouldn't create enough heat with that though.
So far this is all the movement i've gotten. Hasn't changed since taking the studs out and trying everything else.
17861840_1480573708661459_2937390924263817379_n.jpg
 
Just to be clear here, you are hitting this with a dead blow at opposing blows? 12 o'clock downward and then 6 o'clock upward? Then 3 and 9?
 
With a small torch like that, I would heat it evenly until you burn the oil off of it, then spray it again. Then proceed with the hammer and block.

And I hate to tell you, but at least you moved it!!!
 
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