Hi, Anyone have any advice for removing a rear wheel hub assembly on an '01 Prius? My right-rear wheel bearing is going bad. We got a replacement hub but can't get the old one out. We've tried loosening the four bolts that hold it in place, putting a socket on the bolt head, and hitting that with a mallet. We've soaked the whole area with liquid wrench. The thing just won't budge. Any ideas? Mahi
Hi kfai..., Hitting a wrench with a mallet usually wont work , because all the slop in the wrench, and the cold-forming of the threads to each other over the years just takes up the impact. Its different with hardened bolts in aluminum - like with motorcycles. But, on low-carbon bolts and flanges, the metal just flexes. You need a long pipe that will fit on wrench handle, say 3 foot long. Then place steady pressure on the end of the pipe, and in the opposite direction at the tip of the wrench where it attaches to the bolt (this can be done with a jack). Sometimes letting the penetrating oil soak in overnight does wonders. Keep soaking it up. As this is a suspension part, avoid using a torch, as it will change the temper of the metal. Next step is to go buy an electric impact wrench. The wrench provides thousands of impacts, and they are very short impacts, which means the momentum of the parts is what its working against, and the metal has less chance of flexing.
Sorry, I was unclear. We've gotten the bolts out -- that wasn't too difficult actually. But the hub remains stuck fast. In an effort to push the hub out, we put the bolts back in part-way and struck them with the mallet. (Didn't want to pound or push on the inside of the hub (towards the centerline of the car), as it looks like a light-gauge cover for the ABS sensor.) We'll try again tomorrow, see if the penetrating oil has loosened it up overnight.
I don't have any magic solution: Prius Shim Adjustment Procedure The tolerances are tight so I used a very gentle 'tap' to encourage the hub to move. It is easy to 'cock' it and lock it in place. My only suggestion is to tighten the bolts to torque value and then using a 'soft mallet', tap the hub and then re-torque the bolts. You'll want to start with everything aligned. Then loosen each bolt one turn and do a cross pattern 'tap.' Repeat until it comes loose. GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson
I change mine on my 02 several years ago and I don't remember any problems. I think I just used and impact to remove bolts, unplugged at ABS wires and hit it with a hand sledge hammer.
When I did my alignment correction in the rear I could *barely* get the bolts loosened up enough to get the hub to move. And it didn't move easily. It's all pretty strange because things were *not* particularly rusted up back there. I guess when it comes time to do wheel bearings I'm gonna have quite the job ahead of me... . _H*
I understand you are having a problem starting the car now: Does the engine turn over but not start? Does the key turn and no sounds from the engine at all? Did you ever get an OBD scanner? Bob Wilson
