If I take the front axles out will the hub assembly stay together. Or does it need the spline shaft in the hub with the nut to hold it together.
Thanks Ed
On a pre-2005 GEM with front drum brakes, the hub will not fall apart if the CV axle is removed. The large nut is there to hold the CV axle to the hub. The hub itself is pressed together.
Daniel
[QUOTE=GEMmechanic;12151]On a pre-2005 GEM with front drum brakes, the hub will not fall apart if the CV axle is removed. The large nut is there to hold the CV axle to the hub. The hub itself is pressed together.
Daniel[/QUOTE]
Thanks
Now how do you get it apart to replace bearings when you needed?
There are two choices. You will need two trade size 6006 double sealed ball bearings per hub. The easiest is to buy the bearings and take the hub to a shop that has a hydraulic or arbor press and pay them to replace the two bearings. Our NAPA store charges about $35 to do this including pickup and delivery The other choice is to press them in yourself, if you have access to tools and a press. The drum brake wheel bearings are listed in the link below.
Daniel