2001 2500 Sierra 4x4 GMC front hub removal

[bwano]

How do I remove the front hub off the Axle assembly?
I removed the wheel, caliper, rotor, and the four bolts holding the hub.
Removed the wheel sensor. The hub, which has a very loose bearing, seems to be sticking on the axle spline. Is the 5" hub cover removeable? It looks permanently sealed.

A dealer replaced the other side a year ago. Truck has 100k miles. Looks like the hub bearings fail pretty regularly on this model.

Is the hub axle nut accessible after removing the hub? I don't have the shop Manual yet, that I ordered from Helms. The Haynes Manual is pretty vague.

John

[junior3382]

You trying to access the CV joint behind the assembly, or the hub itself? After removing everything like you have, if after the shaft, you need to remove the ball joints. If after the center of the hub itself, I thought the center nut was then accessable.... really, should be the only thing left.... Maybe I am a bit confused since I cannot see this in person, and it is like 3:17 in the morning here...lol... Can you take a snapshot and post it?

[leolkfrm]

The hub nut is on the spline which if you removed it all you need is a gear puller and push the spline out of the bearing. Bearing life seem to be dependent on where they come from. I've had some changed at 10,000 miles(3rd world source)

[bwano]

Thanks for help.

I only want to replace the bad hub assembly.

I haven't applied force to hub, it separates from knuckle, after removal of 4 inner bolts, but does not slide off axle.

Am I supposed to remove hub bearing cap to access the axle nut, or is the axle nut under the hub, and accessed after removing hub?

Maybe hub is just sticking a little bit, on the spline. The bearing is very sloppy, so maybe some galling or damage has occured to the spline.

[leolkfrm]

Pop the cap and look for the nut inside, It's 33mm I think, remove it and press the stub axle with a gear puller. If they don't give you a new nut with the hub get one and replace it
I don't see a jackstand under it, please work safe and use a stand

[bwano]

You're right. No jack stand. I'll use it next time. Thanks for the correction.

How the heck, do you pop that cap? It doesn't look removeable. I guess it doesn't matter if I destroy it, since it all gets replaced. I didn't have the replacement part yet, so put it all back together for now.

[leolkfrm]

don't destroy it! it does not come with the hub. straight screwdriver under the lip against the hub(you can see it in your picture) work it gradually around so you don't deform it.

[see error]

after you remove the dust cap remove the axel nut put the three bolts back in loosely and lightly tap them evenly it will drive it out you dont have to remove the sensor for this job like leo said 33mm you can also fit 1 3/8 on it good luck

[see error]

sorry disregard the bolts and tap part my truck bolts from the back yours looks like it bolts from the front sorry

[bwano]

Thanks very much.

I will work safe.

I ordered the Helms shop manual, $185.00, but it won't be here in time for this repair.

I took the truck to a local dealer, they had it up on the rack for the oil change. Morons took truck out for test drive to look for bearing noise, and told me it was my snow tires. All they had to do was shake the wheel by hand when it was on the rack. One minute diagnosis. Put me at great risk, as I drove from Nor cal to So Cal with this very bad bearing, then back and forth to work all week.
I live in an Apartment, so had to work on the truck on the sly, in the garage. I'll get the OEM bearing hub assy. Thanks again for your help.