I am trying to replace the front axle u-joints. Got the caliper, hub nut, 4 hub retaining bolts all removed I even knocked the axle free from the hub a tiny bit but for the life of me I can't knock the hub assembly off the knuckle.
How do I get them apart?
Please help

 

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find some bolts to thread into the hub and get a big hammer

 

I actually did try smacking the hub retaining bolts with a hammer but no room to get a good contact. I tried using a cold chisel between hub and knuckle and no go...

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I finally got it off. I took a torch and heated around the outside then used a chisel and big hammer wedging it out.
I will never try that again it marred the surface of the hub and f'ed up one of the threads. I might have been better off removing the steering knuckle and separating the two on a bench. might have been easier from the back to pop it off.

 

They can be a real pain when they get stuck. We have spent over an hour getting one out before. . . . . .

 

ok i just had to get the same thing done this week and luckily i was able to help at the shop and snap on actually makes a tool that you put on the bolt and use the trucks power steering to pop the hub on. it takes a bit but it will go. if you need more explanation send me a pm with your number and ill call you.

 

Yup the snap-on tool is the ONLY way to do it! I did both on my truck that way at my buds shop, it made life very easy I also heard snap-on doesn't sell it anymore though due to injuries using it? It does make a good bang and stuff can fly

 

use a socket with a short extension and use the power steering, I did it a couple weeks back and it worked. It was so rusted together I thought it'd never budge but it did.

 

Yep I got a pm about using the steering and I still wasn't able to get it loose. I'll try that again on the other side once I get this side put back together thanks for the advice. I'm going to replace the hub/bearing. I was wanting to repack bearings anyhow but it appears all you can do is replace the hub assembly.

 

yeah you have to replace the whole hub, I recomend the locking hub conversion. I worked all 4 bolts in rotation till the hub popped loose. Be gentle with the steering yet use enough to hear the pump groan (hey it worked for my rust bucket courtesy of Utah salted roads) Good luck. BTW check your ball joints while you're in there.

 

I'd love to do the locking hub conversion but not working at the moment so trying not to spend too much money. Just replaced the rear drive-shaft U joints a week ago and now this one starts freezing up. Oh well, that's how it goes I guess.
thanks for the advice everybody.
At least these new joints have grease fittings.