Does anyone have any tricks for removing the front-wheel bearing hub assembly from a Dodge Ram 1500 4x4? I can't budge this thing!

 

Does it have the 3, 12pt bolt heads on the back of the steering knuckle?

 

I have heard using a pickle fork works very well. Or a slide hammer.

 

Yes, the slide hammer or puller works, but only if you are replacing the bearing. If just to access the wheel u-joint, then no, it can cause damage. I have used a sacrificial 12pt japanese socket on the 3 bolts and hammered it loose from there. done it about 4 times and havent damaged the bolts. Never had an issue with the driveshaft splines coming free of the hub either.

 

The truck does have the 3 12-point head bolts in it. I removed those easily enough but the assembly itself is so solidly frozen in there after 100k+ of driving that it won't move. I'm trying to pull it so I can replace a u-joint but as long as it's out I'm going to replace the hub too. I've tried beating on the sides and on the heads of the bolts but it's not moving.

 

If you have heat, put that to it. Otherwise, you might have to cut the ball joints and press the hub out.

 

If the bearing is toast, then yes, a slidehammer. Friends have also used air chisels, but that destroys the brake baking plate.

 

I'm at the point where dynamite is sounding good

 

Backing plates are over rated.