How to Use a Wheel Hub Puller

Written by

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

Updated on September 6th, 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Summary
  • A worn or faulty wheel hub can result in wheel vibration, uneven tire wear, and odd noises. It’s caused by natural wear and tear, improper installation, and exposure to contaminants. A wheel hub puller can help make replacing a wheel hub a lot easier.
  • A wheel hub puller is a set of tools that removes the axle without damaging the hub itself. A wheel hub puller consists of a yoke or adapter, a pressure screw, a slide hammer, and lug nuts.
  • Make sure that the hub shaft has been thoroughly doused with penetrating oil before using the wheel hub puller kit, and have all the necessary tools on hand.
  • To start off, you’ll need to attach the adapter or yoke to the hub, install the lug nuts in reverse, and install the pressure screw or lead screw to the hub. Follow the rest of the steps in this article to use a wheel hub puller properly.

A worn or faulty wheel hub can result in wheel vibration, uneven tire wear, and odd noises. If you’ve begun to notice these symptoms, it may be time to replace the damaged wheel hub.

If you’re interested in DIY wheel hub replacement, you may find a wheel hub puller handy. This set of tools can make dislodging a stubborn hub easy.

Learn how to properly use a wheel hub puller with this guide.

A worn or faulty wheel hub can result in wheel vibration, uneven tire wear, and odd noises.

What is a Wheel Hub Puller?

The wheel hub puller is a set of tools used to remove the wheel hub from the axle without damaging the hub. It consists of a yoke or adapter, a pressure screw, a slide hammer, and lug nuts. These tools make it easier to perform wheel hub replacements at home should you go the DIY route instead of taking your vehicle to a mechanic.

How to Use a Wheel Hub Puller

The type and size of a wheel hub puller will depend on the type of wheel bearings on the vehicle. In general, these tools are used on vehicles with independent front-wheel suspensions and press-in wheel bearings.

Level of difficulty: Intermediate

Tools You’ll Need:

  • Safety glasses and gloves
  • Wheel hub puller (adapter/yoke, pressure screw, slide hammer)
  • Lug wrench
  • Torque wrench
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Wheel chocks
  • Penetrating oil

Before using the wheel hub puller kit, make sure that the hub shaft has been thoroughly doused with penetrating oil. The penetrating oil will make it easier for you to remove the wheel hub, especially if it is already covered in rust.

A wheel hub puller is a tool you can use if you’re planning to replace your wheel hubs yourself.

Instructions:

  1. After allowing the penetrating oil to sink in, attach the adapter or the yoke to the hub.
  2. Install the lug nuts in reverse, flat side against the yoke, and tighten them.
  3. Install the pressure screw or the lead screw to the hub and tighten it by hand.
  4. Continue tightening the pressure screw with a wrench until the tip of the axle shaft is free from the hub.
  5. Remove the lead screw and replace it with the slide hammer.
  6. Fasten the slide hammer rod into the yoke and secure it with a locknut to avoid damage to the threads.
  7. Once connected, slide the hammer away from the wheel hub until the latter comes off.

What are the Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Hub?

Replacing a faulty wheel hub as soon as it shows signs of failure helps ensure the safety of your vehicle. Here are some of the common symptoms to watch out for:

  • Growling or humming noises
  • Uneven tire wear
  • Pulsation when braking
  • Active warning lights

To learn more, check out this article: Bad Wheel Hub Symptoms.

Replacing a faulty wheel hub as soon as it shows signs of failure helps ensure the safety of your vehicle.

What Causes a Wheel Hub to Fail?

Although a wheel hub rarely fails on its own, a lot of factors can cause it to wear out earlier than expected. Below are the common causes of a failing wheel hub:

Natural Wear and Tear

As your vehicle ages and gains miles, parts like the wheel hub eventually become less efficient and ultimately fail.

Improper Installation

A misaligned wheel bearing or a loose lug nut can strain the wheel hub. When components aren’t positioned the way they should be, the wheel hub suffers and bears the brunt of the stress.

Although a wheel hub rarely fails on its own, a lot of factors can cause it to wear out earlier than expected.

Exposure to Contaminants

Constant exposure to harsh road conditions and contaminants can cause premature wear on the wheel hub. At the same time, it may also suffer from corrosion damage due to moisture.

Accidents

Wheel hubs may incur damage and later fail as a result of high-impact car collisions or road mishaps. The force from these accidents can break, dent, or destroy the hub assembly.

Get a Wheel Hub Puller and Wheel Hubs Online

If you need to replace faulty wheel hubs, you’ll probably need a wheel hub puller, too. Use the tool to remove stuck wheel hubs and make way for new wheel hubs. Find both high-quality wheel hubs and wheel hub pullers at CarParts.com.

CarParts.com streamlines the process of finding parts that fit your car . Plug your vehicle’s details into our website’s built-in vehicle selector to see only products that fit your application. Once you’ve found the wheel hub puller and wheel hubs that meet your needs, placing your order takes only several taps on your phone’s screen. If you live in the continental US and order before noon ET, you can get your new wheel hub puller and wheel hubs in as fast as two business days.

When you need a wheel hub puller to remove stubborn wheel hubs, look no further than CarParts.com. View our selection of wheel hub pullers and wheel hubs, and enjoy significant savings when you order one today.

Shop this Project

OEMTOOLS® – 27037 Front Hub Puller for FWD Vehicles Only
$29.99 Price and rating may change from the time content is published.
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TrueDrive – Front, Driver or Passenger Side Wheel Hub, with Bearing, with Sensor
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