I had to remove the carrier due to it rotted from the inside out. I can't figure out how to separate the carrier from the hinge. I removed the small bolt, tried to pull the 2 pieces apart. They move about a 1/2" and stop. Has anyone gotten the 2 apart?

 

Did mine about 3 years ago, as far as I recall it took a little gentle persuasion.

Here's a photo of what it looks like, it may help you visualize.






Hope it helps..

 

Thank you for the visual. I now have a better understanding.

Did you get them apart, on or off the truck?

 

Pretty sure I took it off the truck 1st, then used a rubber mallet to tap the joint apart.

There's an oil seal at the top, you can see what's left of it in the picture at the top where the rusty brown colored grease is . Mine seal was rotten and broken and if I recall it's a brass metal collar with a rubber seal pressed into it. I figured there was no chance of finding a replacement, so I fitted a regular nitrile O-Ring in it's place which seems to work fine.

The lining of the bearing is a phosphor bronze, which means it won't rust.

I filled the bearing full of grease, gravity will hold it there with the aid of the O-Ring.

Hope it goes well for you.