I've been trying for the last 5 hours to get the wheel assembly off so I can replace the cv axle and am stumped. I can't get past removing the rotor or separating the ball joint to remove the stupid axle. So far I've removed the axle nut, the brake calipers, the 3 rear bolts that hold the bearing to the wheel...Hell...I can't even remove the stupid rotor!!! I can't seem to get it to break free of the shaft. Is there a trick to removing it? Is there a tool I can use to separate the ball joint without tearing up the ball joint boot? If I could either remove the rotor and bearing or separate the ball joint from the lower control arm I would be ok. Am I missing something? I'm fairly competent with cars but feel like the stupidest moron right about now...Any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Sounds like you will need some penetrating oil. Spray that around where the rotor meets the hub. Then wait a while and hit the rotor with a rubber hammer. I've had to really beat on a few to got them loose. Also spray the parts you need to separate. That should help.

Simply incredible...6 hours to take off a rotor...I borrowed a rubber mallet from the neigbor and got the rotor off. Still haven't got the bearing off or the ball joint...I'm embarrased to even think about it.

Good luck. Penetrating oil is your friend.

I needed an impact wrench, liquid wrench, some hardened wrenches and a dead blow to do both my front wheel bearings.....no need to be embarrassed.....they are buggers!

I just need to regroup and come back strong tommorow!!! LOL Thanks for the encouragement.

Eat your Wheaties and then give it hell!

Some times taking a breather is the best thing you can do. I've had more then a few frustrating projects.

I did my front bearing a few months ago and it was a bear. I feel your pain.