Steering Knuckle Removal????

[Big T]

I cannot remove the 4 remaining bolts holding the front bearing/hub onto the steering knuckle. My grinder is up at our place in Big Bear. I've tried drilling the bolt heads but it's extremely slow going and the drill chuck rubs into the CV boot, which means I'll end up replacing both axles, but they probably needed it anyway. I'm thinking that if I can remove the upper and lower ball joints plus the steering ball joint, maybe I can pull the whole knuckle off the axle, together with the rotor? That would give me full access to the bolt heads. Comments appreciated. Sympathy too.:rolleyes5:

I continue trying to drill out the bolt heads and have yet to even get one. I'm using titanium bits in increasing sizes. They have starter tips and they start off fine, but then progress stops and they basically just polish the hole. New bits, no difference. Ain't going to happen.

The boot on the lower ball joint is already cracked open, so it's due. Just waiting for confirmation that I can get the knuckles off the axles by removing all the ball joints.

 

[ak diesel driver]

If your replacing ball joints anyway I've sawsalled thru the joint before.

 

[Big T]

If your replacing ball joints anyway I've sawsalled thru the joint before.

Through the part covered by the boot?

 

[ak diesel driver]

yes. I broke it loose clamped, the threads with a pair of vice grips so it can't turn,ands sawsall away

 

[fastjohnny]

I always drop the axles from the differential then knock them inward.

 

[6.2 turbo]

Whenever a bolt is to tight to loosen,but not seized from rust I will heat the bolt head with a torch. The bolt will stretch and come loose . Good luck with the cv boots though.