Rear hub - where next

[AlanH]

I realise that this is not an uncommon problem but I need to make a decision.

I cannot get one of my rear hubs out.

I have a Canley Classics puller designed for the job and have tried a breaker bar, hitting it and lastly an impact wrench but it will not budge. My thoughts are to either try to find a friendly garage with a bigger wrench (the one I have is rated at 440nm), remove the half shaft with the hub on and get it pressed out or try to find another half shaft or back axle (it's an 1850 auto).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure which way to drop I have heard tales that these can sometimes stand a 20 ton press.

It also complicated by the brake unions being well rusted but perhaps it would be a good idea to renew the pipes anyway.

[Richard the old one]

Make certain the studs have on pulled up a bit tighter and this has resulted in the puller not being tight up to the hub. So basically slacken everything off and start again making certain that the nuts holding the puller on are tight. This was the problem I had.

[Carledo]

How I deal with this:-

Remove the entire shaft (and hope you've not bent the hub flange, it's easily done)

Cut the old bearing off with an angle grinder.

Fit the new bearing by knocking it down the shaft with a lump of scaffold pole and a big hammer.

Refit the shaft.

Steve

[dollyman]

How I deal with this:-

Remove the entire shaft (and hope you've not bent the hub flange, it's easily done)

Cut the old bearing off with an angle grinder.

Fit the new bearing by knocking it down the shaft with a lump of scaffold pole and a big hammer.

Refit the shaft.

Steve

I did'nt think anyone still did that way It works every time especially on old fords and vauxhalls

Tony.

[Carledo]

How I deal with this:-

Remove the entire shaft (and hope you've not bent the hub flange, it's easily done)

Cut the old bearing off with an angle grinder.

Fit the new bearing by knocking it down the shaft with a lump of scaffold pole and a big hammer.

Refit the shaft.

Steve

I did'nt think anyone still did that way It works every time especially on old fords and vauxhalls

Tony.

I'm just an old school kind of guy! Back when I was a young spotty apprentice, even dealerships didn't always have all the special tools they were supposed to have, so one was forced to "improvise"

Steve

[Richard the old one]

You just have to be very careful not to damage the seal surface when you grind the bearing off as it is very close.

[cleverusername]

You just have to be very careful not to damage the seal surface when you grind the bearing off as it is very close.

Yeah, that would be my worry. An angle grinder is a fierce tool. I have used one to cut off suspension components and came very close to damaging something vital.

I would prefer a tool with more control for precision work.

[cliftyhanger]

Have you left it done up "Tight" overnight?
And add a but of heat, a few kettles of boiling water may be enough. And a whack on the end of the puller if you haven't been very brave yet......
But I am amazed at how tight they can be.....

[dollyman]

You just have to be very careful not to damage the seal surface when you grind the bearing off as it is very close.

If you just grind a groove in it and whack it with a chisel.... You will find it will break Be sure to wear goggles and do it where there is nothing to damage, as bit's fly everywhere ... But the seal will be ok. I am sure Steve has used this method in the past?

Tony.

[Carledo]

You just have to be very careful not to damage the seal surface when you grind the bearing off as it is very close.

If you just grind a groove in it and whack it with a chisel.... You will find it will break Be sure to wear goggles and do it where there is nothing to damage, as bit's fly everywhere ... But the seal will be ok. I am sure Steve has used this method in the past?

Tony.

Yeah, cut the outer race and shatter it, a heavy rag or towel over the top to avoid shrapnel is good. Then remove balls and the little guide casing and finally, CAREFULLY grind the inner race back, just along a line parallel with the shaft till it JUST makes it right through the race which will naturally spring apart just enough that you can slide it off!

I should have given more detail in the first place!

Steve

[AlanH]

Well, the hub has gone to my local garage who is going to give it a go with his press.

So I decided to get the bearing off the other half shaft. I'm bit reluctant because it seems OK but I have bought two new ones so I decided to give it a go. Unsurprisingly I can't get it to budge with my standard puller so is there a better way or do I have to go at it like something out of The Chain Saw Massacre.

I do have an old box spanner of the correct diameter which I was hoping use to knock the new one on (fat chance!) but it's not long enough.

I could ask my friendly garage again but he is very busy and has had the hub for almost a week.

I realise some of these questions may be a bit basic but I have not done this job before (and definitely will not be doing it again!)