Changing Front Hub Assembly HELP

[kdailey4315]

I'm changing my front hub assembly but I can get to two of the bolts that hold it on. The CV joint is right in the way Any ideas?
Thanks
:fire:

 

[Dan Whitaker]

You need an 18-24" breaker bar with the shortest socket you can find. Then put all the muscle in it you have.

I ended up just bracing myself against the fender and using my foot to push down on the braeker bar.

The spindle nut will be fun as well

 

[kdailey4315]

Well now I have completely stripped one bolt trying to get it out. The breaker bar kept hitting the cv joint and now the bolt is stripped. Now what do I do?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

At this point you might have to take the whole steering nuckle off.

To do this you will need to pop the tie rod & lower ball joint off, remove the upper ball joint by removing the bolt tahy attaches it to the upper control arm & remove the allen bolt that holds the ABS sensor in the hub.

I wonder if the breaker bar I hve is thinner in the head of it because i was able to get mine out without too much trouble. It was tight though.
I also was using an inpact socket that is stronger than a regular socket.

The bolts you are talking about are 15mm as well.

 

[timleedude]

Don't you need to take off the CV Joint to change the hub? And to do that you need to take the spindle nut off.. Hope you have an air impact gun.

-Tim

 

[timleedude]

To Remove the damaged bolt.. you will need to get a special socket .. Check out the Sear's Craftman link

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...bcat=Bolt-Out,+Taps+&+Dies&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

-Tim

 

[Blee1099]

Are you changing a hub on a 93 or 95-01? Your profile shows you have a 93.

 

[kdailey4315]

Sorry. it's my wife's 96 XLT 4X4

 

[Blee1099]

Sorry. it's my wife's 96 XLT 4X4

That definately helps out.. This is the step by step tutorial I first used when I did my first hub assembly swap.. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1183804

If the bolts were seized up, your best bet is PB blaster and/or mapp/propane torch.. The heat will definately help free the bolts up..

 

[kdailey4315]

It looks like I'll go with the craftsman set. where can I get a new bolt. Can I go to Autozone or will I have to go to the dealership?

 

[Blee1099]

Your best bet for a bolt will be a Fastenal if you have one in your area.. Home Depot & Lowes don't carry automotive type bolts like the ones for the hub assembly.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

You will need to buy a new spindle nut as well (around $2-3. More than likely the parts store will have to order you one.

The ones where I live did not stock them.

 

[kdailey4315]

OK well I finally got the bolt off. I went to sears and got the craftsman set that takes off "difficult" bolts. I also finally got an air compressor. Got a great deal from Home Depot. 50 bucks for a 50 gallon air compressor with an impact wrench an d air socket. All because it was missing a few pieces. Now where the hell am I going to get a new bolt?

 

[IZwack]

where the **** am I going to get a new bolt?

The Ford dealer

 

[stretch]

Try your local NAPA if you have one, I've gotten a few odd ball bolts from them when I needed them. Cheaper than a dealer, too

 

[timleedude]

OK well I finally got the bolt off. I went to sears and got the craftsman set that takes off "difficult" bolts. I also finally got an air compressor. Got a great deal from Home Depot. 50 bucks for a 50 gallon air compressor with an impact wrench an d air socket. All because it was missing a few pieces. Now where the hell am I going to get a new bolt?

Glad you got a Compressor.. It helps alot with Car Repairs and other stuff. As for the Bolt and Spindle Nut, call around all the auto parts stores. Someone should have it. Napa, Autozone, Checker, and others. Home supply stores will not have the higher/stronger grade bolts required on the car.. Make sure you take the broken bolt with u to compare with the new bolt.
If you have to call ford dealer.. What's a few bucks extra for a bolt.. especially with gas prices nowadays. Driving around to find parts can cost alot of gas too.

-Tim

 

[CDW6212R]

BTW, that is a grade eight bolt. It must be strong and tight. Do check to see if you have a salvage yard that would be able to find you that bolt. Check with Ford dirst, they rarely have the bolt needed, but sometimes they will surprise you. Good luck,

 

['97 V8]

Just dish out the extra pennies on a bolt from the dealer. this is a very important part to cheap out on.