2008 Explorer front hub replacement?

[4mr4dmech]

I have read some of the posts on replacing the front wheel bearing hub but the latest model year posted is 2006. I have done this replacement myself on a 2000 model year Explorer with no problem. I now have a 2008 Explorer and am attempting to do this repair. I removed everything as before, but the bearing / hub assembly will not come free from the steering knuckle. (Yes I removed the three bolts, and the splined shaft is free also.)

Any ideas? Is this assembly now 'pressed' into the knuckle? Do I need a special puller?

 

[4mr4dmech]

Update on 2008 whell hub replacement

Since no one has responded to my original post, (maybe thisis a dead site?) I will offer an update. After having trouble with the right front hub replacement as stated, I went to work on the left side. It took some effort, but I was able to knock the hub loose. There was a lot of rust build-up between the bearing and steering knuckle. After seeing the amount of rust on the left side, I knew the right was worse. I got a penatrating oil product called 'Deep Creep' and soaked it overnight. When it still would not budge the next day, I resorted to using a cut off grinder to make a notch in the hub retaining flange next to where it mates to the steering knuckle. With various sized chisels and more soaking with Deep Creep, I was finally able to work the hub loose and get it out. Total time to R&R the right side hub was about 4 1/2 hours. The left side took a little less than 1 hour.

To anyone else trying this repair - - - Good Luck! hope this info helps.