In Focus: OTC 6575 Hub Grappler

The OTC Hub Grappler Kit, No. 6575, from SPX, is a complete solution for servicing wheel hubs and bearings on the vehicle without removing the steering components or knuckle. This kit eliminates unnecessary alignments or the use of a shop press. The tools, along with the manual, provide the capability to remove the hub and the bearing, and replace both on domestic, Asian and European vehicles. It applies to cars, trucks, vans and SUVs that have replaceable wheel bearings and can be used on either front-wheel or rear-wheel drive applications.

Origin

The previous OTC Hub Tamer kit has been the most effective front-wheel drive wheel hub and bearing service kit on the market. As the vehicle manufacturers introduced similar hub and bearing applications on the rear, along with heavier designs found on trucks, vans and SUVs, more pulling power was needed. The new OTC Hub Grappler puller design provides up to 10 tons of force, more than two times the amount of the previous OTC Hub Tamer design and competitive products.

Specs

Manufactured to OTC’s superior quality and strength, the new Hub Grappler puller assembly boasts a new and improved design featuring quick and easy adjustability. The new jaws are designed and sized to properly fit hub applications and can be quickly located on the puller bar without the use of fasteners. The new 3/4" custom drive screw, coupled with the special equalizer washer, provides smooth operation while the proprietary heat treating and coating extends its life five to ten times longer than comparible drive screws. The drive screw is approved for use with pnuematic powered impact gun. All of these components are manufactured in OTC’s Owatonna, MN manufacturing facility.

The application guide, found exclusively with the Hub Grappler, provides key information such as time saving charts and detailed diagrams listed by Make-Year-Model up through 2009.

Also included in the 6575 Hub Grappler kit are more than 25 adapters for removing and installing hubs and bearings, a tie rod/ball joint tool, and two Ford axle installers all provided in a blow-molded case with a removable lid.

Selling points

The Hub Grappler puller assembly applies maximum force to remove the most stubborn bearings.
Single 3/4” drive screw for all applications, approved for use with pneumatic powered impact gun.
Application guide includes information for Make-Model-Year, through 2009.
Works on trapped rotors.
Special heat treated and coated drive screw.
The kit includes 27 adapters.
Tie Rod/Ball Joint tool included.
Two Ford Axle Installers.
Lifetime warranty.

OTC also offers a new Hub Tamer to Hub Grappler Update Kit (No. 6575-2). This kit includes everything to update the popular Hub Tamer Kit to the new Hub Grappler Kit. It includes the Hub Grappler puller assembly, six new adapters, miscellaneous hardware and the new comprehensive Hub Grappler Application Guide.