Well, broke a bolt in my wheel hub trying to get it back on. I took it off to replace the outer front U-joint on the passenger side.

I have no idea why these bolts are giving me so much trouble. They're not particularly rusty. But, I seem to be having tons of trouble getting the hub assembly and the dust shield all lined up with the bolt holes and seated properly. Then, when I think everything's golden, the bolts go halfway in, then stick hard.

Is there some kind of trick to this that I'm missing? Any ideas how best to deal with my broken bolt without messing up the threads on the hub worse? Am I stuck having to buy a new wheel bearing? Any good tips on getting it all lined up right?

Any more ideas? Thanks, you guys are awesome.

 

you have any pictures? I cant tell ya why its not lining up without seeing anything. but with the bolts locking up half way, just take the bolts to a wire wheel to clean the threads. and with the broken bolt is there anything sticking out to grab on to?

 

Did you swear at them yet? I find that helps. I find that if I yell loudly, so as to embarass myself with the neighbors, that works best.

If that doesn't work, I use a thread chaser.

 

Apply a liberal coat of anti-seize to the unit bearing hub.
Insert all 3 bolts throuugh the steering knuckle
Hold the hub in place and start each bolt in by hand.
Turn each bolt a few times, don't just turn one in all the way. The hub will go in ****-eyed and bind up.
Once the bolts and hub are seated, torque to spec.
Don't forget to torque your hub nut to 175 ft. lbs.