Hang on Norm...... The hub is alloy, the gear steel.The rate of expansion for alloy is greater than that of steel therefore if any heat is used, it will quickly get into the hub and TIGHTEN the gear onto the hub. Yes,we heat crankcases/cylinder heads to loosen main bearings /steel valve guides etc -in these examples the steel part is surrounded by the alloy and hence loosens its grip on the steel component when heated (well over normal running temp) but in the front hubits the opposite- the steel surrounds the alloy.Theoretically, freezing would loosen the gear, but in reality, they are not all that tight and a decent three legged puller wil have it off in a flash,stake marks will not have any effect on the pull, the alloy will push safely out of the way and the gear will push back on with a bit of loctite, then re-stake for peace of mind. Bob