OTC Hub Grappler Demo and Review -EricTheCarGuy

Many people suggested I try a Hub Grappler when I did the bearing on Cameraman Brian's 4Runner. Now that I've tried the tool, I can see why. Some of you might point out that the tool didn't work for every application, the Ford wheel bearing for instance. Well, if 20 tons and heat couldn't do it, I'm not surprised the Hub Grappler had trouble as well.

When this tool works, it works. It can also save a bunch of time. It can also do many of the jobs that used to require a shop press. For me, it's a great tool. If you do this kind of work a lot, I suggest you get one. If you don't do this work a lot, find someone you can borrow one from. The time you spend tracking them down will be more than made up for when you go to use the tool.

Camera: Brian Kast

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ETCG

Tool Review Disclaimer: ETCG is not paid to do tool reviews. Yes, I get to keep the tools after the review, but I do not receive any financial compensation for any reviews. The views expressed in this video are my own and unsolicited.

Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.  Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[BigGuyReview]

Thanks for keeping the old hub and showing us all the awesome power of the "HUB GRAPPLER". Great job Eric. -John

[Goldwingrider]

Just what I need!! Daughter just dropped off her husband car for me to repair, geez!! I bought one cheap piece of crap, says do not use impact wrench. I BEAT tar out of the bearings, no choice, use the impact. That set is what I need!! Thanks!! You the man!! For sharing.

[nicholastoffoli]

8:48 "I was just beating on that thing all day and I was sore for a week afterward" Sorry, I couldn't help but point it out! How immature of me.

All jokes aside, your videos are awesome Eric! Keep up the epic work. Subbed!

[rubencruz]

i love that tool. i've been using a similar tool since about 1998 and its paid for itself many times over. just remember to keep the threads clean and lubed after each use. sounds excessive but well worth the effort over time.

[DennisFriedman]

OTC make nice products and has been around for years, I used there products back in the 70's, never had a problem, thank you Dennis

[Cheese_is_pain]

"How do you like me now?" That line cracked me up more than it should have.

[garretts]

Your tool review videos are my personal favorite. You lighten my wallet one review at a time. Keep em coming!

[gruardian]

A good puller set is never a waste of money. Nice review.

[MrSupernova]

Getting ready to do this tomorrow. After watching a few of these videos I've decided I'm not going to get into this without that hub grappler. It would be horrible if I'm not able to complete the job at home and have to not only tow my car to the shop but be without my car until the shop can do the job.

[nicholaselias]

I just used one to remove and installed front bearrings on a 2008 BMWxi with that tool. Very awesome. Only problem was I had to use a slide hammer to take the hub off because BMW decided to put a dust cover that covers the hub and I didnt want to damage it because it was a customer's. I have the basic Kit with the tool and some spacers. Here's a trick. You can get all those other spacers in your kit pretty much from a Harbor freight master bearing kit which is why I just ordered the basic hub grappler tool

[ogxswaggerbaby]

This video is old but still really useful, you are my go to guy for my repairs you had helped me a lot. Dont never stop doing what your doing, god bless you.

[bikefan]

im a mechanic and i love learning new things !! subscribed

[adamUDavies]

I just changed my Honda Accord front wheel bearings today with the same kit. Worked just fine.
They still have a light etching on each piece, it does take a while to find the pieces. Mission accomplished tho.

[riccoc.]

Eric i really appropriate this video because i was wondering about this very tool. nice professional job as always.

[danielkarlsson]

Great tool to have Eric. I have some other brand where there is a strong bearing just under the bolt head to ease the friction. It works great.

[scarmenl]

In the upper lid of the box there are spaces to hold the different adapter plates. It would be a good place to write the numbers to save search time.

[travismcvey]

Eric great review as always, and yours is one of my favorite YouTube channels. About the 4 Runner hub. Aren't they like a normal "unit bearing" hub, and really supposed to be non serviceable? Also with this tool I've only ever worked on one vehicle that you could get the axle shaft out of the hub without either removing the hub itself, or the knuckle. Another thing that would be beneficial to the kit is having the book on a CD, or online so you have the ability to print out what pages you'd like for the job you're doing. Keeps the info from getting all greasy, and eventually needing replaced.

[BlueHaze]

Price is now $579.18 in the link, up from $439.99 back in 2015. Ain't inflation grand? Worth it for the quality if you use it enough.

[eldoradony]

Great tool review on a great tool. I purchased one last summer. Please give us more tool reviews like this one, not on the non pro junk.

[keyskwik]

I finally purchased & as I am a mobile tech it was on my must have list! It is gonna start paying for it self next week!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊