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youracman · 10-28-2018, 10:49 PM

I am going to do a brake job on my 07 Outlook E450. Warped rotors, so new hub/rotor assys, new bearings & seals, new calipers, new pads. The actual hdwe is different than the Chiltons depicts it and I have my first problem.

The grease cover over the spindle nut is recessed a good 2" in this massive, one-piece (30 lb+) hub/rotor assembly and there's no way to get a screwdriver in behind the lip or groove to pop it off. I am going to try to make a tool (Ford probably has one ....... for $312 or so + tax....lol) but I thought i could maybe just grind out a slot from 1/2 in bar stock from HD perhaps and use that...... clamp a vise grip to it and tap it off. But, I got to thinking perhaps someone here has done this job and I don't need to reinvent the wheel.....pun intended.

Couple of pics attached. The cover is a lot deeper into the hub than it appears, BTW.

Any thoughts? Thx

Sailor Mike · 10-29-2018, 12:09 AM

That might work, hard to tell from the pics but worth a shot. Harbor Freight has a slide hammer puller set for $23 if your idea doesn’t pan out.

https://www.harborfreight.com/slide-...-pc-63609.html

twinboat · 10-29-2018, 04:00 AM

Grab it with large, 12" slip joint pliers and pull down.

They come off real easy.

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Big Bear Local · 10-29-2018, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Grab it with large, 12" slip joint pliers and pull down.

They come off real easy.

Attachment 224249

That's what I use.

John Hilley · 10-29-2018, 01:47 PM

Small pry bar might also work

Bob_C · 10-29-2018, 02:26 PM

Harbor Freight has the tool required....looks like long pliers with the jaws 90 degrees to the handles

emcee · 10-29-2018, 03:03 PM

How about a paint can opener?

wimpy · 10-29-2018, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Grab it with large, 12" slip joint pliers and pull down. They come off real easy.
Attachment 224249

If you don't have the 12" pliers, this is the other option:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-pc-p...set-68339.html

I believe the 2 smaller sizes will work perfectly. Have an E450 & Twinboat's solution worked for me the first time I redid the brakes.

youracman · 10-30-2018, 02:43 PM

My slip-joint pliers are not quite 12" but I tried them anyway. Worked just like you guys said it would. Your directions were good.....need to torque it downward and it comes off easy.

Other tools/methods mentioned would have worked too, methinks.

Many thanks; I'm good to go ..... for the moment, that is.

Safe travels...... ed s

wimpy · 10-30-2018, 11:38 PM

Since you're dealing with an 11 or 12 yo chassis, I would replace the brake hoses as well, check with your nearby Pirtek or Royal Brass & Hose shop who'll be happy to fabricate your hoses (personally, I like the shiny braided hose!).

Since brake fluid is hygroscopic, I would get Castrol's L(ow)M(oisture)A(bsorption) brake fluid, flush the system, bleed it & not look back. You'll be glad you did.