Rear Axle Bearing Removal Tool

[koda2000]

I need to replace a rear axle bearing on my '01 Sport Trac. Looking at loaner tools available from O'Reilly's I see two different styles... Has anyone used either style and/or have an opinion on what works best? I'm leaning toward the puller style.

The below puller style:

This below slide hammer style (with the appropriate grabber tip):

 

[boominXplorer]

You need the slide hammer for those on the top. Any way you do it slide hammer is best.

 

[koda2000]

You need the slide hammer for those on the top. Any way you do it slide hammer is best.

Thanks,
I wasn't sure if I needed the slide hammer for the top ones, or whether you just tightened something to pull the bearing out. I got both and will play with it after dinner, or tomorrow morning. When I return those tools I will borrow the bearing/seal driver kit. I think I may keep that tool, though I usually manage with a large socket.

 

[96eb96]

I did it on my grand marquis, the slide hammer threads into those pullers if I recall correctly. There is also a seal puller, but since you are pulling the bearing everything will come out in one shot. You will be installing a new seal. A seal driver set is a good idea, you can definitely rent it. I guess the back of a socket can work too.

 

[koda2000]

The combination of the two tools worked great. Probably took around 8-10 whacks with the slide hammer to pull the remains of the bearing out. It took longer to get the rod of the slide hammer to screw into the seal removal tool than it took pull the bearing out. The new axle comes with a new bearing and seal, so I just have to get that ordered. I'm also replacing the spider gear cross-pin, pin retainer bolt, brake shoes and "C" clips.

I'm having to replace the axle because the button on the end of the axle where the "C" clip goes broke off. Then the axle walked out, destroying the bearing. I've never seen this happen before. Nothing precipitated this event and I found no obvious reason for why this occurred. It just happened w/out warning on a used rear diff assembly I gotten at the salvage yard last year and after driving on it for around 3,000-4,000 miles. I was probably going around 25-30 MPH when it happened about 1 mile from my driveway. Kinda scary.