ABiT1

I have a 2000 Cherokee that I'm trying to replace the axle on, but the wheel hub in rusted in. I'm thinking of just replacing the steering knuckle. So I'm wondering can you take the knuckle out with the axle still in?

Ive tried everything I can to get the wheel hub out that I know of. Torch, hammer, slide hammer (detached the hub). So the only thing I can think of is to just replace it all.

BlueRidgeMark

Nope.


Worst case, take a reciprocating saw or a grinder and cut through the u-joint.


Did you take the bolts out?

jpz

It sounds like you're missing something with the removal. I just did the ball joints on the front of my 2000, and while everything was tough and difficult it came off with a little elbow grease. Where are you stuck exactly?

texastaz38

Be sure the hub bolts are out, the axle nut is removed. PB Blast the crap out of everything several times a day, let it soak. Come Saturday, go down to O'Reallys and pick up the 7 ton 3 jaw puller. when you get home, put the axle nut back on just enough to protect the threads and axle dimension distortion. before attaching the puller, give the axle nut a few good whacks with a BFH to make sure the axle is not rusted tight into the hub itself. if the axle moves in toward the differential, your good to go. if not, more PB until you get it loose from the hub.

Attach the 7 ton 3 jaw and begin putting tension on the hub with it. more PB, give a few more whacks, tighten the puller a little more, then more whacks. it will eventually give up and come loose. You have 48 hours to return the puller to Oreallys. lol

I just finished this same project Monday afternoon. The hubs will come out but are very reluctant and require a great deal of persuasion.

Good Luck and Happy Jeepin"

Texas Taz 38

texastaz38

Forgot to mention, my xj is a 86 with original hubs. It was a pain. Operative word, was. I won the battle. Now it has new Timken hubs, at 58 years old, probably the last set I will ever put on it. lol

Happy Jeepin"

freegdr

You tried this... https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/pro...ing-hub-28951/

XJlimitedx99

This is what I was going to suggest. Works great.

nujeepguy

its all new to me,never pulled one. if/when i need to, does any of this tough stuff stress anything else that i should be concerned about?

Rogue4x4

If you can't get it out by regular means, try the above post. I was lucky with mine, couple of whacks, popped right out.

To be fair, the axles were out of the jeep when I did this, so I had more room to work with, haha

nujeepguy

does any of this tough stuff stress anything else that i should be concerned about?

Rogue4x4

No. It's pretty stout. If and when you try to tackle this, if you run into issues, come ask, pretty sure we can walk you through the tough bits.

texastaz38

The only thing I had the slightest concern about was the axle stub threads and size that is why I put the nut back on flush with the axle stub until the hub pulled loose. I didn't have any damage and reassembled everything with no issues at all. To be honest, the hubs nearly fell out with the attachment of the 3 jaw puller and a little bit of tension. That being said, I had been messing with it on and off for 2 days prior to the puller being used.

I don't think you in any jeopardy of damaging the knuckle at all. just my .02 worth. I haven't tried the extension method so...apparently it worked.

Happy Jeepin'

nujeepguy

ok guys,,thanks