Topic: How do I get the Axelshaft Out? (Urgent!)

[82rustbeast]

I pulled an axelshaft out of a 91 Pickup rear housing.  I read that your sposed to just push the shaft out of the brake backing plate after you remove the snap ring. I did it but the shaft still wont come out. Do you have to pull out the bearing retainer or what. Help...again

[Prismo]

I believe the retainer & bearing must be removed for the backing plate to come off.

[82rustbeast [OP]]

So how do you move the bearing retainer without damaging it. Im gonna need to reuse it

[Prismo]

I have never tried to re-use one. I would imagine the colder you can get the piece , the easier it will come off. If you have access to a press it wouldn't be to hard to get off. Maybe using a spitter type bearing puller & a plastic hammer might work if you don't.  I have always used a die grinder & a cutoff wheel to cut almost to the axle shaft & then a chisel to split the piece. I knock the new bearing & retainer on with a big piece of pipe. I heat the retainer in the oven to make it easier to install.

[CTENG in KS]

"Hate the CONCRETE!"
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=19916.0

[Prismo]

I would use a wood block instead of the concrete. How you doing CTENG?

[Marlin]

The axle shaft does not just hammer out of the backing plate after the snap ring is removed, [unless the axle is wasted].

It must be a press fit....

Many years ago, i made my own puller by cutting off the end of a rear axle tube and welding it to a 1/2 by 6" wide steel plate with a matching hole for the axle to pass thur.
After bolting the axle and backing plate to the press jig, I mount it in my 40 ton press and press away.

Sorry, but I have never been able to get it apart with a hammer.