2002 Rear knuckle removal

[bird]

Hi folks.

I'm in the process of changing out my rear bearings. For the life of me I cannot figure out how to 1) get anything in the knuckle to open up the receivers for the ball joint and tie rod; 2) how a press tool could also fit in there to push the stem out of the receiver.

The only tool i can see that would work is a fork (but we all know how well those work or rather don't).What tool is there to press these out?

Joe

 

[OfficeVisit]

spindle removal

Joe,
I just finished replacing my rear bearing. The upper a-arm and lower tie rod were a pain. I ended up lubing everything down with PB Blaster every 1/2 hour and then tapping on them. The upper came out pretty smooth with a couple taps of the dead blow hammer. The tie rod, I ended up using a long blunt end cold chisel right next to where it bolts in. On this one I did also used a small flat end cold chisel tapped into the expansion slit to keep the top open (just enough to have it hold, don't pound it in to hard). Tapped lightly, PB Blaster, repeat. spray some pb blaster in the hole after you get them out to clean it up and clean up the ends of the tie rod and upper (rust and dirt corrosion) a-arm. i sprayed them down with silicon grease (water and heat resistent) and before I tapped them back in.

I originally thought I had to pull the whole shaft out of the rear diff. to change the bearings. Glad I didn't. Rented a hubpuller from Auto zone and the spindles came right off easy after everything is disconnected.

Hope this helps. It was my first rear bearing job (replaced the rear springs and struts while everything was out too) although not my last because my brother has an 04 with 92K on it. A second set of hands on the job was the best tool to have.

 

[bird]

Got it

Thanks to all! It really wasn't bad. I went to my local tire place (big repair shop and tires actually) to borrow whatever tool they use. The tech. tells me all he uses is a fork and repair boots (if needed). Turns out its fairly easy. Had them out and back in (not including the pressing) in about 2 hours.

I also had to do the drivers side front and ended up torching the lower ball joint. Wouldn't move to save my life!

Joe