Axles Seal Question

[backinblack]

I have a 2001 Ranger 4x4 and I am replacing the front axles. The way it looks to me is that the seals that are on the axles have a little groove on them and they go through the metal shield that is the steering knuckle right behind the hub bearing. But that seal is just to big to go through there and if it did it would be just to tight and would tear the seal. Can anybody shed some light on this? Can't find anything online about this.
Thanks.

 

[hondaxr650]

The axles wont come out through the knuckles. You need to remove the knuckle at the upper ball joint and pull it outward so you can get the axle out from behind.