[MM in NM]

One or another of the do it yourselfers here has had to do this job before? I need to change out a couple of these bearings. I think I can figure out how to get new bearing and retainers on, I plan to make a tool from a piece of close fitting pipe and use my BIG arbor press. What I'd like to know is how to get them off without bunging up the retainer, axel, or both. Perhaps I should I plan to just replace the retainer too? It appears there is a top ring above the retainer that seals against the seal that is slightly worn/grooved.

BTW, for your entertainment, In the two other pics you can see that I have some problems with the ring gear carrier too... I'm sure glad I decided to check this rear before bolting it under the car.

[powerrodsmike]

It looks like someone put a sleeve on that axle. It is probably all messed up in the seal area. You can not reuse the retainer. The new bearing should come with a matching retainer. You can take a chisel to the retainer and stake it a few times around the circumference. Position the chisel like you are going to cut the retainer off. This will displace the metal a little and make it easier to push off. you can grind it thinner before you stake it and it will help if it is a stubborn one. get a bearing splitter
http://www.otctools.com/frames-newcatalog.php3 go to pullers and scroll down until you see #1124 bearing splitter.
and put it under the bearing. with some long farmer rod you can hook to a regular "H" puller on the end of the axle and pull it off. you may have to put the propane torch on the repair sleeve. Those usually have some locktite to seal them on. I went a cruising and found this website that should splain everything. http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...wheel_bearing/
It is for a toyota but the ford is the same construction. there is a pic there of the guy slamming the axle into the concrete that is pretty funny. Use your own discretion. Hope this helps, mikey

[61bone]

Yep, looks like a speedisleeve to me. A couple taps with a hammer and cold chisel will remove it. Use the chisel like you are trying to cut through it, but a few taps will stretch it enough to slide it off. The same procedure will get the retainer sleeve off but requires a little harder hits and a bigger chisel. See my project journal for a home shop procedure for getting the bearing off and replacing it.

[johnsongrass1]

Your retianer os stretched to maintain it's press fit. Removing it allowsthe metal to move and you'll never keep it tight again. Then the axle will slide through the bearing and you'll find your self walking.