Hey what's up guys? Ok, so I read through the wheel bearing and hub assembly removal instructions on this site. The instructions were great! I was successful in every step until I reached the back of the assembly where there are 4 bolts. I removed 3 of them. But there is one that is closest to the compression rod/spindle area that I can not remove because of where it is located.

How the heck do you remove the last 17mm bolt...the one that is the most difficult to take out..I got everything but that one...I literally spent more than an hour just on that one in particular behind the hub assembly...is there a special tool needed...I've tried every possible 17mm socket plus liquid wrench...I cant get a good enough fitment because of the compression rod/knuckle being in the way...I've turned the wheel as well along with lifting the suspension with jack...no go..any advice is appreciated...thanks!

 

can you hit the wrench with a hammer? mostly brute force works but

maybe if you still are stuck you might want to start dropping other parts to make it easier
just how people try and change the front blinkers with keeping the bumper on... just take it off and make it easy!

 

Yeah I was thinking maybe remove the compression rod but not sure if I have to remove it completely or just the front end of it that meets with the spindle. Maybe that is enough to move it out of the way? I hate to start removing unnecessary parts if not needed. Any ideas where to start if I have to remove other components? The service manual states to remove transverse link, upper link, compression rod and cotter pin. And I would need a ball joint remover. Anyone have to use that to remove it? Thanks again for the responses!

 

I'm going to remove the front part of the compression rod..looks simple...remove cotter pin and take out the 19mm bolt...hopefully that will give me enough room to remove the bolt from the wheel hub assembly..wish me luck.

 

compression rod bolt was easy to loosen but keeps swiveling in the same spot...help!

 

why no pix?

 

ah...yes..this is probably why I'm not getting responses...I'll post some pics so you guys can get a fair idea of what I'm looking at.

 

if you turn the knuckle to the same side you are working on, you can break the bolt loose w/ a 17mm universal socket. once you break it loose, you can thread it out by hand w/o removing the compression rod ball joint. a snap-on socket may be the only company that has enough flex to work for you though

 

Just did this exact swap. Drop the axle. Done and done. Easy breezy with some air tools. Takes 2 seconds to get to all 4 bolts. Slip axle back in.

 

Yeah I've already tried turning the knuckle in the direction I'm working on by cutting the wheel. The socket just will not fully seal around the nut and it semi stripped. So I want to keep whatever is left of the nut to take it off properly. I've tried 17mm sockets from various companies. Doesn't seem to work without moving something out of the way.

 

I have not thought of dropping the axle...that might be a good idea. I'll give it a shot and post back. I've bought myself an electrical 200 ft/lb torque impact wrench. Hopefully that will help.

Thanks for the responses guys!

 

finish this dragon!

 

Dropping the axle is seriously cake. Gives perfect access to every bolt on the rear of the hub/bearing assembly. I wouldn't suggest doing anything else

 

ok so in order to drop the axle or the knuckle rather in the case of this being in the front of the z...I will have to take the entire upper control off since that is what is holding it up. Am I right?

 

I plan on it..whatever it takes..I'm getting it done! Thanks for the help guys!

 

You're doing fronts? my bad. There's no axle in the front. I was talking about the rears, I must have missed something. I have heard the fronts have a pesky bolt. Hopefully someone else can chime in and help you out

 

LOL...too late..the upper control are is loosened...and knuckle has come down a bit giving me more space but I'm afraid I stripped the bolt in the process of removing. The breaker bar just slips so I can not get a firm grip around the bolt. ARRGGHHH!!! Power tool was a big no no as this finished stripping the bejeezus out of the bolt. Any advice on dealing with stripped nuts lol?

 

I got myself a dremel from next door...I'm being persistent!

 

I recently had a stripped bolt issue and found that my only solution was an extractor socket. I bought this set that can be found at my local Autozone or O'reilly.



You will need one larger than what this kit offers. Hopefully you can find one locally.

 

I went through this same exact issue with that one bolt but was able to get a wrench in here and knock it loose. Just keep trying and you'll get it eventually.