I'm working on a front hub replacement and I need to remove the whole brake assembly - correct. Not just the caliper but the bracket too?? I'm having trouble accessing the upper bolt. I know it's 18mm but I can't get the socket on it and I don't have an open end wrench that size. What else could I do?

I fought mine for about thirty minutes. I tried a 3/4, it was a little too big. I tried widening an 11/16, it kept slipping. I finally got pissed off and ran to the parts store and got an 18mm wrench, it was completely worth it. I had it apart in about 3 minutes. I suggest you go buy one, it will come in handy working on various other things too.

Thanks - I have to wait till the wife comes home with the other car so I can take the trip! Times like this it sucks living in the woods - it's 30mins to anywhere. Thought to get a ride from people.

Thanks - I have to wait till the wife comes home with the other car so I can take the trip! Times like this it sucks living in the woods - it's 30mins to anywhere. Thought to get a ride from people.

Tkae it as a GOOD excuse to buy more tools! :D

This is a good thing. Everytime you can warrant a new tool, GO FOR IT!

Believe me I do! I just hate having my ride out of commission!

I tell you what.. I bought a craftsman 16mmx18mm 12pt box ended wrench from Sears a while back. That was the single greatest wrench I have ever bought. This is just one more reason. Oh it's also about 10-11 in long and gives more torque. BUY IT. Tell you wife I said so.

When taking my caliper bolts out for the first time I used a long seatpost from an old bike as a socket lever extender to get that extra torque. Now I always take that seatpost around and it has always worked for getting those annoying bolts out. It has gotten me out of a lot of tough places!

It sounds like you aren't having torque issues, but I thought I'd throw that in.

It sounds like you aren't having torque issues, but I thought I'd throw that in.

Not too bad yet - But I am expecting it - It wouldn't the same if there were no struggles!!

Better off buying a metric box wrench set and sockets considering 95% of the stuff on our trucks is metric

I have those already. My wrenches stop at 16mm though.

Alright - new question. I'm at the point of pulling off the old hub - it's stuck like hell. I'm using a puller and all I seem to be doing is push the spindle back. The hub isn't moving. Can I cause any damage by pushing the spidle back too far? I've got the sucker drenched in pen oil for now. Should I just beat the hell out of it since the spindle isn't stuck?

Did you knock the CV shaft out (about 1/2 inch or so)? Then simply smack the old hub on each side until you see it move.

The shaft moved very easy - it was the housing that was stuck. I finally gave it a couple of whacks with a small sledge and it popped off. Thanks for all your help - I'm about to go for a test ride!!!

Wow! I almost can't believe what a difference it made! Thanks for all your help!