So, I'm thinking about changing my front U-joints tomorrow for the first time.

Before I start, I was hoping someone can tell me what kind of socket the axle nut takes, because I'm thinking it's going to be something bigger than anything I have, and if so, I'd like to pick one up at the parts store.

Anyone know the size? is it 6 or 12 point?

Thanks!

 

36mm 6 point i think, i'll run out and check mine

 

absolutely, 36mm six piont. make sure the threads are clean with a wire brush, use penetrating fluid, and if you have to hammer the shaft out of the hub, put the nut back on till its flush with the end of the axle shaft, that way you wont ruin the threads

 

Use a wire brush on the ends of the hub bolts that stick throught the hub. Would have saved me alot of time with a drill

 

You will need heat, breaker bar and an extension (pipe) for the breaker. That nut is going to be a pain.

A hub puller works great for getting the axle shaft out of the hub with no damage to anything. you can rent one at most auto part stores.

 

X2 pain in the *** to break that bolt

 

the nut comes off like butter with an impact, so you dont have a compressor? got get an elec one from harbor freight or autozone, as for the hub make sure you have a 12 pt 13 mm i used a deep and used it an the power stearing to pop the hub off, once you get all three bolts out i dont remember which it is but put one back in about 1/4 inch and put the socket on there and then start the jeep and turn the wheel and the socket will but up against something again dont remember what but it will then press the hub out

 

I hit it with a 3/4in SnapOn impact wrench rated at 750ft lbs to no avail. I almost picked up a 1in impact from HF rated over 1000ft lbs to break it loose, haha, but ended getting if off with a heat, cutting, more heat and a huge cheater bar.

Then again I live in the rust belt and it was the orginal hub/nut. I replaced the nut when I put it back together, got it from the local parts store for under five bucks.

 

Hrm, that tough, huh? This guy made it sound pretty easy, but I'm finding that's usually not the case with my Jeep: http://www.myjeepxj.com/cherokee-rep...nt-replacement

I have air and an impact, but it's somewhat wimpy.

 

can always do the kill your self move, breaker bar on the ground and bump the starter

 

The passenger side hub bearing started going out. I could hear it 'grinding' so to speak. I figured if I was going to do one I might as well do the other. I ordered my hubs from summit racing. The ones they sell are made in Michigan, so I try and support my broke state.

The axle nut was the only issue I had. I suppose with 187k miles on the clock its to be expected. In rust belt talk thats 12 winters of road salt. Heat will be your friend. Even MAPP gas, available at most any hardware store, will help.

 

I used PB Blaster and a chisel/hammer when I did my front bearings. Worked awesome and I live in NE IL!

 

you shouldn't have a proublem with an impact

 

i had a hell of a time with mine when i had to change my wheel bearing...impact wouldnt work. i had to heat it up for bout ten mins and the impact still had a hard time getting it off

 

I got all the nuts and bolts off the axel and the hubs, and used a puller on the part of the hub that turns, and pulled it right off the spline, but the bearing are all in the backpart,which is stuck in the spindle. How do I get it the rest of the way off?