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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
Replacing noisy front right wheel bearing on my 2005 Cooper S Cabrio. No problem removing the 4 bolts that hold wheel hub to knuckle and hub separated from knuckle easily. But I can't get the hub off the axle. Seems frozen to the splines. Broke my cheap 3 jaw HF puller. Rented a better puller (rated 4 tons) and that broke too. Soaked it for days with PB blaster but it really doesn't want to budge. Advice appreciated.
Mine was stuck so bad I had to remove the entire axle and steering knuckle as one piece and put it in a hydraulic shop press. Man,that bugger was stuck in there good.
Had to use a wheel puller on the last one I pulled to get the axel freed up, then a 3lb ball peen hammer to knock it loose. All after dousing it with PB Blaster, and letting it sit for a few hours.
Epilogue: Had to heat wheel hub with a torch and use a 10 ton hydraulic puller (from Harbor Freight) to get it off. Destroyed speed sensor in the process. Also had to clean the axle spline grooves with a file to get new hub on, Job was a bit of a PITA. Nice and quiet now though.