How do you get the caps off the front to allow hub removal? I have an '86 with the threaded cap and have tried various ways of removal without success. I need to replace the studs with longer ones. Would it beunwise to thread in a bolt and use an impact wrench on it to free it up?

 

I use a slide hammer (dent puller) with a bolt threaded into the cap.

 

There was another thread on this subject several months ago. Try a search on hub removal. There were several homade tools that seemed to work well without damaging the hub.

 

I made this one day to get it remove it, but have since made a slide hammer type as Geoffrey mentioned. Make sure the weight is heavy enough. Mine is a little light and takes more wacks to remove the bearing cover.

 

i made a slide hammer tool with the correct threads on the end. that was the only way i could do it. if you want to borrow it, please email me at lesliegr@metrocast.net and i can UPS it to you.

i messed around and made a few different typs of pullers but the slide hammer banged them out in 2 seconds.

Leslie

 

Thanks to all.
I went to Autozone and rented their slide hammer with an adapter. With a bolt to match the threads on the cap and a few washers, I was able to rig the hammer to work.
Leslie, do you have a pic of how yours was built?

 

Leslie: I'd be really interested in your innovative approach to the design also. Unless you have a patent pendng do you think you might post a picture?

 

You can buy a dent puller at any auto parts place and have a bolt welded on. Instant hub remover.

 

just like a930rocket said. get the slide hammer/dent puller and weld a bolt onto the end of it. works great.