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2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint

Posted By: VCODE

2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint - 10/07/20 03:02 PM

So I just fixed the exhaust leaks and now I need to replace the front U joints. Not a hard job, well it turned into a real pain. So the rotor is rust on the hub, soak it and hit with the hammer, get my air hammer gun and try that.
No luck so I move on. Take the hub, axle and rotor off together by using the the power steering method to push the hub out. Not a chance everything is frozen solid. Any one have any other ideas. I don't want to damage and need to replace the rotors or hubs just to replace the u Joints.
Some help please
Bob
Posted By: Grizzly

Re: 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint - 10/07/20 04:05 PM

Soak the whole thing with WD and let it sit overnight. Especially the center.

The rotor has to come off somehow, they will take a decent beating, and the only way is with a BFH. Start lightly, rotate the rotor a lot and increase the hit as you need to. I've never wrecked a rotor with a hammer, but they are only $40 or so if you do.

To remove the hub bearing on yours, loosen the hub bolts about 3/4" off, put a socket you don't care about on the end of the bolt and beat on them. Alternate on ALL the bolts. It will break loose.

I know of no other way to do it when it's rusted together, and I've done a few of them. As a matter of fact I have a set of ball joints waiting for me on my Beater '01 to do one of these days. frown I put everything back together with anti-seize so I don't have to fight with it next time.
Posted By: J_BODY

Re: 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint - 10/09/20 01:57 AM

I have a LARGE Mac air hammer.... hearing protection and the shop will hate me for 15-20 min at times. Flat hammer bit between the studs with lots of PB Blaster.
Posted By: VCODE

Re: 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint - 10/09/20 01:15 PM

Let me tell you, this is a real Bear. This has not been apart since 2004.I have tried everything, even used the large 3 foot sledge hammer on the rotor, did not loosen it at all. I will get it at some point.
Thanks Bob
Posted By: Guitar Jones

Re: 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint - 10/09/20 01:28 PM

Time to break out the hot wrench.
Posted By: Grizzly

Re: 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint - 10/09/20 02:51 PM

laugh2 2 days and you still haven't got it?

Maybe call someone to come do it for you? tonguue
Posted By: VCODE

Re: 2004 Ram 2500 4x4 Front U Joint - 10/09/20 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by Grizzly
laugh2 2 days and you still haven't got it?

Maybe call someone to come do it for you? tonguue


Got it off now. Took the cut off wheel to it. Grinded it until I could crack it off with the chisel on the air hammer.
Thanks Bob
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