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Friggin hub bolts won't come loose

W

wierdo124

New member
Hey all. I'm working on an 03 Grand prix GT, replacing the passenger side bearing/hub assy. I got the bottom front bolt out of it, and two more and it should come free. Problem is, i can't figure out how to get the other two. Any tricks? Just spent an hour and a half. I can't get an impact in there, wrench doesn't fit with the rib in the metal, and i can't get enough leverage with a ratchet.
 


i do umm all the time easy, 6inch extention and a shallow 13mm socket take the 36mm nut off the axle hit the axle in (u might haft to hold it in while your un loosining the bolts) then u will have enough room to get the ratchet and socket in there:th_thumbsup-wink: then wen u got all the bolts out take a 5lb hammer and hit it a couple times then install new hub make sure you torq it to 158ft.lbs (center nut 36mm)

make sure you have caliper / bracket off and rotor
 
PB blaster, torch of some sort helps a bunch too.

Don't forget you can turn the wheel which changes the angle and makes removing those 3 bolts easier. If you use a torch you cand always heat the end of the bolt and not the head. The expansion of the bolt helps to break the rust bond.
 
i used a torch to help get mine off. unfortunately, the torch didn't come up until after i had rounded it off. hopefully you get to that before the same happens to you.
 
i got them, it got easier after getting a short size 13 socket, before i was using a deepwell, couldn't get on it straight.

All better. Installing it i took it for a test drive. I backed out the garage and tried to ease on the brakes on the slope, i'm like "OH S*** WHERES MY BRAKES!?" turned out the piston got stuck a little and i pumped them and tried again. Had to push it back into the bore to get it over the rotor :p
 


Its cuz you compressed them to get off the caliper or to put it back together. Always pump the brakes.
 
I know this is an older thread but I am having the same problem. I took the rotor off and looked and surprisingly I only had 2 bolts holding it in. I went to the junk yard and took another bolt off another gp. Problem is I cant get the other two out. Oh and I tried penetration oil. I tried so much I rounded the heads off. Is there any way I can use my dremel or anything to get this bolt out or cut it off and then just go get replacement bolts? I dont have a torch.
 
The easiest way to get a clear swing on these bolts is to pull the balljoint cotter pin, nut and pop the balljoint. then pull the CV out of the bearing and you will now have a wide open shot at all three bolts. FWIW the size of the bolts is actually 1/2" not 13mm. This matters as a 13mm is slightly larger than 1/2" and you may round the bolts easier using a 13mm instead of a 1/2".
 
mhartwig said:
I know this is an older thread but I am having the same problem. I took the rotor off and looked and surprisingly I only had 2 bolts holding it in. I went to the junk yard and took another bolt off another gp. Problem is I cant get the other two out. Oh and I tried penetration oil. I tried so much I rounded the heads off. Is there any way I can use my dremel or anything to get this bolt out or cut it off and then just go get replacement bolts? I dont have a torch.
Click to expand...

lolz, my heads were rounded off too. here is what you do, go buy this handy dandy bolt extractor set.
Irwin/5 pcs. 3/8 in. drive Bolt-Grip expansion extractor set for 5/16, 11/16 and 3/4 in. or 8, 10, 13 and 19 mm. bolts (394002) | Bolt Extractor | AutoZone.com
beat the fancy socket on the bolt really well. then give it a whirl. those sockets are serious business they literally bite into the head of the bolt.

good luck!
 
I bought those bolt out sockets and tried to hammer them onto the bolt heads but had trouble. Rented an angle grinder and a cutting wheel and cut the wheel hub assembly off.

Put the new one on, but am still getting a grinding noise when turning right. I was told it might be the other side. I replace the passenger side hub a year ago. I would think a wheel hub would last more than a year.
 


depends on what brand wheel hub you bought..

it could also be an axle if you're getting noise when turning, but it should be a popping/clicking noise.

also, jack up the front end, and just check all suspension pieces for any play. take the wheels, and pull on them in all ways and see what you get.
 
mhartwig said:
I bought those bolt out sockets and tried to hammer them onto the bolt heads but had trouble. Rented an angle grinder and a cutting wheel and cut the wheel hub assembly off.

Put the new one on, but am still getting a grinding noise when turning right. I was told it might be the other side. I replace the passenger side hub a year ago. I would think a wheel hub would last more than a year.
Click to expand...

The bracket that holds the ABS sensor wire can become bent enough, simply from rust, to the point that it can rub the inside of your rotor. That can mimic the sound of a dry bearing, as well.
 
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