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"How To" Tutorial LibraryWrite tips and instructions on how to install parts or fix problems. This is for detailed "How To's" only, not a forum to ask how to do something. Please post those questions in appropriate forums.
You've removed the axle nut, caliper, and the 3 bolts? (Sorry, I have to ask)
Have you tried a big hammer? Another poster said he put tension on with a puller, then whacked at it. Penetrating oil? Have another read of this thread, there are other methods people have used.
Itg is just rust making them stick. As long as you don't hit the axle or parts that can bend just beat and pry away with liberal application of the rust buster you like. Last resort would be a wheel/hub puller from the auto parts store.
I would like to thank Smoke Wagon, Old Blue and everyone else who chimed in on this topic. Thanks to all your advise, and instruction, and a couple youtube videos, I was able to change the front hubs on my 2007 HHR LS by myself. The car had 175000 on it, and we bought it new back in 2007. Since I was doing this and also have had the "clunking" front end noise, https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/prob...-solved-30205/ I also replaced the sway bar end links. Afterwards the clunking was alot better but not gone, so I checked around and found the motor mount on the passenger side to be very loose. I tightened them down and that solved the clunking even more. I still hear a little bit, so sway bar bushings might be next, but very hard to do without a lift.
Oh, and as far removing the hub from the axle. I sprayed everything up with penetrating oil first, then as I didn't want to hit it with a hammer for fear of breaking something, I got the brake parts and axle nut off and the hub bolts removed. I remounted the tire on the studs, leaned back and used my feet to kick around the tire to loosen it up, and the hubs came off the axles with no problem. I went ahead and did both sides, to make sure I don't have to do this again. I also replaced the axle nuts and put new lug nuts on the hub.
Then the following weekend I replaced the spark plugs, air filter, and cleaned the Mass Air Flow sensor, and the throttle body. She's running so much better!
Next I will want to change and flush the cooling system and thermostat. Always something to do!
Thanks again everyone. Heres a couple pictures of the repair.
Had to replace both my front hubs as the driver side was bad. Couldn't figure out what the noise was but after putting new tires on i was sure it was the hubs.
Fortunately, they came out easy enough, no hammer needed. The D/S bearing was bad.
The noise will drive you crazy ( even though mine was slight ). What the heck, new tires never hurt anyway.
She's quiet now and your instructions are correct. Add an hour if, like me, you don't have power tools or a 29mm socket.
Last edited by MedicFL1; 12-08-2018 at 02:45 PM.
Reason: spelling
Had to replace both of my front hubs after putting on new tires to see if that would cure the road noise.
Only thing i would add is to hang that caliper via a bungee cord or the like.
29mm socket i believe it is for the hub nut.
Luckily mine came out easily enough, no hammers needed.
12-17-2017, 09:32 PM
