I'm looking to do some front end work on my 99 F-350 4x4. I think I have a wheel bearing that's going bad. It's starting to hum a bit at highway speeds. I also think I need to replace the u-joint on one side.

I'm looking for a suggestion for a press to remove and replace the u-joint. I was thinking about picking one up from Harbor Freight but I'm not sure how large a press I should get. Or if there is a better tool for doing the u-joints.

I have a 3 jaw puller but I don't think it's big enough for the hubs, so I'll be getting a larger one as well.

Anything else I might be missing? Also, does anyone recommend a good source for these parts? I was thinking of ordering it from RockAuto. They seem to be cheaper then the local places.

Thanks in advance

 

I am not an expert but I don't think you need a "u-joint" press, I have beat a lot of them out with a hammer and a socket. but I usually cut them out with a torch. I don't think you will need the puller for the bearings either, I have not replaced mine but I have had them out for other front end work, just loosen the four nuts on the backside of the hub, then I think I used a hammer and some pinch bars. I am not saying that the tools you are talking about won't work, I just don't think you need them.

 

i have always just used a vise, or 2 4x4" blocks and a big hammer depending on how stuborn the U joints wanted to be. all the U joint presses ive seen required two men and a dog to use they are just awkward and a PITA. as for the wheel bearing assembly you might get lucky and they come right out my pass side fell out and the driverside i spent about 4 hours beating and prying, heating and cussing and it finally came out.

 

I have neve pressed a u joint,I let a local shop do it,they charge 20 buck and takes them half an hour.I just changed my driver side bearing and u joint 2 days ago the bearing fused a little but I sprayed it with PB blaster hwere it joins the hub and worked pry bar in between the bearing hub and knuckle.Once it separated a little it was easy to work around.Most of the resistance came from rust where the studs pass through the beaing not the hub to knuckle junction.I would spray thoroughly in there if you get any resistance.For parts prices have you tried "parts guy Ed" He is very familiar with our trucks and the variations,I have found his prices were the same comparable vendors and in some cases a little better.There are alot of bearing options for these trucks so make sure you are getting the right part.I think its a good idea also to get 4 new studs and nuts for the new bearing rather than trying to get the old ones and use them.THey can freeze up real good in there and you dont want a problem with damaged threads on a 400 dollar item.The write ups on the RHN page are excellent and should prepare you for what you will encounter,and what you need.If you have a problem during iinstallation just jump on here,there are plenty of great people here that will get you through it.