Greetings!

I'm trying to replace the ball joints in my 1993 F150 4WD, which has the auto locking hubs. I managed to get down to the spindle (after pulling off the rotor), but I got stuck there. I removed the 5 bolts holding it on but can't seem to get the darn thing off.

My Haynes manual simply says to remove the spindle, I've tried tapping on it with a rubber mallet with no luck. Any tips or tricks from those who know more than I?

 

what can you not get off? the hub, knuckle, etc.

 

I'm trying to get the knuckle off, but the spindle (and axle) are supposed to be removed first according to my Haynes manual.

If you look at the diagram on the second page of this .pdf:

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/eb...dleknuckle.pdf

What they are labeling as the spindle is what I can't get off. I've already pulled the 4WD assembly, caliper, hub/rotor, etc off and this is the next piece. It seems to be simply stuck on there, but I'm not sure how much force is appropriate when trying to remove it, and even some good whacks with a rubber mallet isn't loosening it.

 

the spindle is bolted to the knuckle, did you take them loose? if so, its probably siezed on there. itll take a little more hammer than a rubber mallet. you can hit it with a regular hammer, just hit it in the right spots so you dont damage it. try tapping a sall chisel between the spindle and knuckle to see if it will seperate.

 

Yeah I had all 5 bolts off, I'll try a chisel next.

 

What ever you do DONT hit the threaded part with the Hammer or you want be able to put it back together..... tap on the Calliper braket just a bit and try the Chissel behind it...

 

Tap all around the spindle between the bearing lands.



Apply penetrating oil around the edge of the spindle, and in the back of the knuckle. Thread both wheel bearing nuts back onto the spindle and use a slide hammer with a 3-jaw puller. Heat the knuckle and cool the spindle.

I wouldn't use a chisel - you could bend the lip or scar the mounting surfaces.