I tried to replace my hubs today since they are starting to go out and like usual, something broke that stopped the project cold. The upper bolt on my caliper snapped but it could not have snapped in a better place. The part that was able to be removed looked almost new and it broke almost immediately after I started loosing it. Thankfully, it broke right where it threads into the axle. I am not sure what the part is called, but it is the assembly that has the ball joint and where the rotor rest against. The caliper was still able to slide off and I preceded with the rest of the process to change out my hubs. Sadly, those fought me too. Both hubs are original and my XJ is a 98 with 176k, so there was a lot that was keeping them there. I tried using a mallet and even a gear puller but nothing. I did learn that as long as some of the bolt is still accessible, a set of vice grips is a good way to get the broken stub out. There is a Jeep shop 5min from my house and they quoted me $160 for u-joints so I may have them replace my u-joints (original) and have them put the new hubs on too. It is more then I was hoping to spend since I bought a set of Timken hubs but it will be worth it since this is my only vehicle right now.
I am still not sure how the upper caliper bolt snapped though. I don't have any pictures but it snapped at the threads. The lower bolt came out nice and easy.
I am still not sure how the upper caliper bolt snapped though. I don't have any pictures but it snapped at the threads. The lower bolt came out nice and easy.