Making It Easier Next Time

When I pulled the hubs off my tappered axles I went through what a lot of people have probably gone through. It was tough, real tough. I finally got them off with a combination of: a heavy duty hub puller (took a while to find a rental place that had one), a 1/2 inch breaker bar with a long jack handle, penetrating oil, some heat, and a good size hammer. I can't believe this was the original intent. One of the reasons for this difficulty seems to be the corrosion between the taper and hub. I have no idea when the PO last had them off (maybe never and it's a '62). Here is my question: Is there anything I can put on the taper before I reassemble that will make removal easier next time. My thought is to put some anti-sieze on the taper before I slip the hub on. That should keep the moisture out. If I understand how the hub attachment works, the matching tapers keep things tight and the key keeps the hub from turning against the axle. If that is true, then a dab of lube on the taper should make it easier to get a good tight fit as the axle nut is torqued. I also thought about using some sort of sealent - like maybe Aviation Form-a-gasket or maybe RTV. What have you guys done? What is your opinion?

 

Dang, I've never had mine off. Add that to the "dreading to do" list.

Just curious Ron, where did you ultimately find the hub-puller?

 

I have a BIG 2 jaw puller (for brake drums I think). Put it on, crank it down with a breaker bar, then whack the end with a big hammer. BE SURE TO STAND CLEAR, BECAUSE WHEN IT LETS GO IT FLIES ABOUT 5 OR 6 FEET! I have to support the puller with a 2x4 under it because it tries to slip off as I crank on it with the breaker bar. It has been a learning process, after having them off about 8 times (don't ask) I have it down to a science.

 

I pulled one of mine off last weekend...I had a wheel cylender leak....It was a bear...I made a puller by drilling holes in 3 steel straps about 5 inches long and bending them in an s shap so they would fit the lug bolts and an large bolt to tighten against the axle...It was quicker than trying to find one to rent

 

Don't make it too easy to remove, that fit is tight for a reason. the transfer of power from axle shaft to axle flange is through that connection . that key and keyway will break if the fit is not tight.

 

Hippo393,
You asked where I finally located a hub puller. I just called all the rental places I could find in my area and as it usually happens just as I was about to give up, I called one last place and they had one. It was a Taylor Rental franchise. I doubt that they all carry the same things but you can check your area.
Ron

 

Sparky, that is excellent advice. I think I had a problem with the tip of the puller not fitting inside the nut, causing some damage to the exposed threads inside the nut if I would have continued.

 

used never-seize on mine. like the file idea though.....

 

I'm gonna leave mine just the way they are...They lasted 38 years with no problems that I know of and as hard as it is, it's not something you have to do too often
or at least I don't