1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts. Use jack stands to securely support the vehicle. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools: You'll need a variety of tools, including:
* Wheel chocks
* Jack and jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Ball joint separator (pickle fork is risky and can damage components)
* Hammer (preferably a rubber mallet)
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or similar)
* Socket set (metric) – you'll need the right size to remove the hub retaining nut. This is often a very large nut.
* A press (ideally a hydraulic press, but a shop press can work) – This is crucial for proper hub removal. Improper removal can damage the hub and bearings.
* Possibly a puller specifically designed for wheel hubs (depending on the hub design)
2. Remove the Wheel:
* Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car.
* Safely jack up the car and secure it with jack stands.
* Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.
3. Disconnect Components:
* Brake Caliper: Carefully remove the brake caliper and hang it out of the way using a bungee cord or wire. Be careful not to damage the brake lines.
* ABS Sensor (if applicable): Disconnect the ABS sensor wiring harness if present.
* Speed Sensor (if applicable): Disconnect the speed sensor wiring harness if present.
* Cotter Pin: Remove the cotter pin and castle nut from the axle.
4. Remove the Hub:
* Penetrating Oil: Generously apply penetrating oil to the area where the hub meets the spindle. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. Reapply periodically.
* Ball Joint Separator: This is where a ball joint separator is CRITICAL. Carefully use the separator to separate the ball joint from the control arm. A pickle fork is HIGHLY discouraged as it can damage the ball joint or control arm.
* Hub Nut: Once the ball joint is separated (if necessary), remove the large hub retaining nut.
* Pressing the Hub: This is the most crucial step. Using a press, carefully press the hub off the spindle. Attempting to force it off with a hammer and punch is almost guaranteed to damage the hub or spindle. Use appropriate sized adapter to spread the pressure evenly, prevent damage.
* If a Press isn't available: Some people attempt to use a large puller, but this is risky and might damage the hub or bearings. A press is far preferable.
5. Installation (Reverse Procedure):
When installing the new hub, follow the above steps in reverse order. Ensure the hub is properly seated and torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
Important Considerations:
* Rust and Corrosion: On a 1998 vehicle, rust and corrosion are likely significant factors in the hub sticking. The penetrating oil is your friend here.
* Bearing Damage: If the hub is excessively stuck, there's a chance you've already damaged the wheel bearings. Inspect them carefully. Replacing the bearings is usually done at the same time as the hub.
* Professional Help: If you encounter significant resistance or are unsure about any step, take it to a mechanic. Improperly removing the hub can lead to serious damage to your vehicle's suspension and steering.
This is a complex procedure. If you lack experience working on vehicles, seek professional help. Damage to the hub, bearings, or other suspension components can be expensive to repair. Always prioritize safety.
