How hard to remove alxe bearings?

[rfl]

One of the rear axle seals ('93 4x4, 8.8") puked all over my sons new brakes so I am going to change out both seals tomorrow. The question is, typically how hard is it to get the bearings out - are we talking a tens of blows with a blind bearing puller, or heat and chisel? If they are not too big of a pig then I will put in new bearings while everything is opened up - last fluid change was 1,200 miles ago so opening up the pumpkin is getting old.

I am not entirely sure if the rear axle is original - the axle tag shows that it is an 8.8, but the door sticker says 7.5 - so it may have 140k miles, or something widely different.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

A little heat and a blind hole puller will work just fine they should pop right out.

 

[Tedybear]

Examine the seal seating area on the axle shafts when you pull them out of the axle tube. If you see pitting or heavy groove wear--then you will need most likely a new axle shaft. The repair bearings can be used with some success however I've not had much when I did ours.

Good luck with it!

S-

 

[rfl]

Just a follow-up.

Did the swap on Tuesday as planned. Just for kicks, tried the first one without popping the bearings, and without heat. Bearings obviously started to fall apart on the first pull of the slide hammer. About 10 whacks and no movement. Hit it with a little heat and it came out with 4-5 pulls. Second side was cake (heat first). Worst parts were cleaning off the RTV and filling the pumpkin (as expected).

Thanks for the replies.