2002 RDV wheel hub/bearing replacement

[Prostar]

I am trying to replace my front wheel bearing. I've read a couple write-ups and I have done one before on a Saturn, as well as many other jobs on cars. I think I have to throw in the towel here though.

The problem is that the hub and axle are rusted/bonded to each other with some force heretofore unknown by man. Either that, or there is some kind of lock ring that I didn't see (and can take a lot of force). The common methods include "put the axle nut flush to the end of the axel and tap it with a hammer" or "use a puller on the hub with the center on the axel". Some say it just "slid off". Well I put a 6" 3-armed puller on it, and tightend until it ate into the axel, and then broke one of the arms. Next I put the axel nut on, then pounded on it with a hammer. Next I heated it to a "smoking" hot temperature and whacked it with a 24 oz construction hammer until I was afraid the nut/axel may be ruined. Then I heated it once more, put the puller (reversed the arms) on again until it started to eat into the axel, and whacked the screw of the puller.... She aint commin' off.....

I'd love to hear how there is "some part" that I just forgot to remove (and is now probably dammaged).

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Remove the axle nut. Remove the 3 bolts that secure the hub to the knuckle. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector if equipped with ABS. Then, preceed to beat the back side of the hub flange (the part that the wheel studs are pressed into) with a big hammer. I have had a few that were rusted/corroded very tight. Once the hub begins to separate from the knuckle, keep beating and eventually the axle shaft will start to free up from the hub. Thats the way we do it in the shop.