Over kill is good for you {Ted Nugent}

 

I tried that initially. My hub was frozen. Plus the sliding hammer doesn't allow for any deflection and as you know if you hit it too hard to one side you'll have to change out the wheel tire hub posts.

 

What?
If a "wheel tire hub post" is what is commonly called a wheel lug stud, I don't know why you would care since they come as a part of the new hub. If you just whack the side of the hub a real good one they usually just fall off. Maybe you are worried about the axle? Then just WD40/PB it and very nicely tap the end of it after you put the axle nut over the end to protect the threads. Some people have had trouble removing their hubs even with a slide hammer, turns out that corrosion is the problem and usually PB Blaster or any other penetrating stuff helps.

I have done 8 fronts and 4 rears, and never had a fear of whacking them with a 5Lb. hammer. How would you go about removing a brake drum without whacking it sideways? I am not strong enough to harm cast iron with a hammer.

Anyway, no I don't "know if you hit it too hard to one side you'll have to change out the wheel tire hub posts".

Tacking this mini-tut onto the end of a basically unrelated thread was kind of different. There is a tutorial section on the forum for those things, and I am pretty sure hub replacement has multiple threads in it and elsewhere here, since bad hubs is one of the top 5 complaints. That's where I went to find out how the first time.

Feel free to post a detailed How-To hopefully with lots of pics in the "How To" Tutorial Library - Chevy HHR Network section. In fact, you are encouraged to do so!

Use a slide hammer if you want, I just have never needed one. Enjoy!

 

I concur with Don, don't be afraid to give the old hub a good wallup , but jus be sure you have all the bolts removed , there are three per front hub and four per rear hub. I have done seven sets of these , live up here where corrosion is very much an issue due to the amount of road salt. So, don't tap it , swing for the cheap seats!!!!

 

I ended up going with the independent mechanic and was SO glad that I did. He replaced both front hub assemblies (Timkens) for $525.00. He gave me a 1 year warranty. He threw in a brake flush for free! Had the HHR back for about 3 weeks now and it works like a dream.

 

Moral of this story???? If a "shop" uses the term "specialist" they will treat you like a proctologist. Be ready to bend over!

 

$525.00 would cover the new hubs, rotors and brake pads and new LCA's after a careful search on E-bay and a little wait for the UPS truck, ok maybe FedEx. but then I have the tools and experience so maybe if you have to go to a shop the price you pay if it gives you piece of mind its worth the price!