Russ Blazer

So I'm changing out the axle U-Joint on my daughter's '98 classic... 4X4 4.0 I6. Pulling off the hub and snapped 1 of 3 bolts. Other 2 came out ok. Bought new replacement bolts for both sides.

Here is my plan to get it out:

I don't have a welder.
I don't have a propane torch (but I'll get one if you guys think it is the right move)
My vice grips just spin around the threads. Won't hold.

I plan to grind a flat surface onto the protruding threads to strengthen the hold of the vice grips. Soak that sucker in blaster and twist it out the opposite way. There's not that much left of the bolt to back out.

Let me know if this sounds like it will work and please tell me if there is a better way.

Thanks!

Russ Blazer

pic of what I have to hold on to.

tech

Don't the bolts come in from the back side ? my xj has a 12 point 13mm that comes in from the back side .

Russ Blazer

they do but I snapped the backside off. There is about a 3/4 inch left and the only way I have to grab it is from the other side. See pic of bolt compared to broken bolt....

tech

If the bolt head is gone it may not be easy but the bearing should come out . it mite take a big hammer though. or maybe a slide hammer .

LadyKenai

yes what tech said should just come out now nothing holding it down anymore.

marc

TrailerTrash

Yeah dude smack that thing out of there and buy a new bearing unit

67 GMC

As stated, you should be able to pound out the hub since nothing is holding in but you still need to take the broken bolt out of the knuckle.

Give the bolt a good smack with a heavy hammer then soak in PB blaster several times and let it sit for a few hours. If you don't have a torch, buy a MAPP/Oxygen set up. Much hotter than propane and not very expensive for a home mechanic. That will get you enough heat to the bolt as close to the knuckle as possible until its cherry red. Then put the biggest vise grips you have on it and wiggle back and forth (don't have the grips on when heating or you're wasting heat). It should break free.

Are you replacing the hubs too? I looked them up on Rock Auto and they are a little pricey but if your changing the u-joints because of noise, you might want to check that your hubs are spinning smooth without grinding. Plus you've got them all out now at this point.
Good luck. Don't give up on it.

tech

Please let us know how it goes and what you had to do .

Russ Blazer

I will... I banged the heck out of that thing and it is sealed on there tight. I was able to wedge a small space between the hub and the dust cover. I spent about an hour last night getting my grinder down there to cut the hub off.... still only about half way through.

After reading your posts, I think I am going to get a hold of some HEAT (octane...etc) and go that route, because I am still going to have to get the remaining bolt out of the knuckle and I would rather do that when there is more of the bolt to work with.

Sorry if this is confusing... I will send a pic later.

Decided its time to replace the hubs ... by the way. So I'll be ordering those this Friday.

LadyKenai

if you have a small space as screwdriver thickness i would spray a bunch of wd40 right in there and try to wedge the opposite side it needs to come out straight you have the first crack shouldnt be much harder to get it out.

marc

edit: when i took my hubs out that were in there for 28 years the dust plate got pretty messed up, i didnt buy new ones just hammered them flat and put them back in, they arent that much tho for new price.

tech

You mite want to try using a slide hammer , if you do try to get one with a heavy slide hammer . the heaver the better .the slide hammer will bolt up to the wheel studs and pull from there .It looks like you can rent one from auto zone .

LadyKenai

https://images.oreillyauto.com/parts...pfm/w89725.jpg

edit: btw grinding down your hub i dont think that will make it easier you only end up with less to grab a hold on. installing the new hub i would use some sandpaper and run that through the inside of the steering knuckle to get it a bit smooth then some grease on the new hub to make installing it a bit easier.

Russ Blazer

Banged on it for awhile then used an air hammer with a flat end to break them apart.

Victory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But....

See new thread: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/chi...ook-ok-239690/