Front wheel bearing replacement. HELP

[e7ats]

Hi All. This is on the 03 AWD.

I'm getting a rumble from the front plus the ABS is kinking in when it should not. Figure one of the front wheel bearings is going bad. So, I picked up new ones. Started the tear down. Things where going very well till I got the last bolt out. Now the problem. The Bearing housing will not come out of the steering knuckle. I've hit the HELL out of the spindle and this thing will not budge. Does anyone have tips on how to remove the front bearings?

[rlsllc]

This can be fun. You removed the axle nut, right?

Soaked with PB Blaster?

You can try putting the rotor on backwards, and putting the lug nuts on part way and use the rotor like a slide hammer. I've done this with a wheel also.

You can put the bolts most of the way back in and put the wheel on tight, and drop the jack quickly, or put the wheel on the ground and rock the van.

If you have a torch, carefully heat around the bearing (not too hot) on the knuckle.

Last resort, chisel around the edge, one side then another all the way around.

Good Luck!

[rlsllc]

Oh yeah, you may just need to rent a big slide hammer and hook.

[ihatemybike]

Has the CV axle nut been removed?

I used a swing jaw puller from a Front End Service Kit to dislodge the axle from the hub.

Might try putting the wheel and lugs on then pulling on the wheel.

Worst case:
Disconnect the ABS wire connector (by upper shock mount).
Remove bolt that hold the ABS wire to the upper ball joint.
Dislodge the upper ball joint.
Remove the CV half shaft.
Beat bearing out from back side.

[e7ats]

yes, the Axle nut was removed and the axle is dislodged from the bearing.

Soaked with PB blaster.

Went and picked up a slide hammer. My hands HURT now.

I'm worried I will have to remove the steering knuckle and do as you said. Beat it out from the back.

Anyone else?

[ihatemybike]

Is the van very stable? Put the wheel on and kick/stomp from the backside.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Chisel between the hub and knuckle and work it back and forth. You might need some heat to break the rust free.

[e7ats]

I got it off about 2:30 today. I've been using a chisel and it did move ever so slightly. The Slide hammer didn't help. At 1:00 I started using heat. It slowly started to move. So by 2:30 I had it off. By 3:30 I had the new one on and van back together. Went for a drive to Advanced Auto to replace the bad battery. The van hasn't ridden that quietly in a long time. Also no anti-lock breaks kicking in. I'm going to wait a few days before starting on the passenger side to let my joints and muscles heal. I'll get pictures of the tear down of the Passenger side to share.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Awesome PJ!