Is it possible to remove the bearings and retainers from the rear axles without special tools? The book I have mentions a cold-chisel to get the retainer off but thats all I remember. Anyone actually done it? I have two sets of axles to work with so its alright if the proceedure is slightly risky. The local automotive machine shop wants $50 a side to remove the old and install the new bearings - I think I will try it myself at least until I break a finger or an axle. I have the new bearings and retainers in hand. Let me know if anyone has experience with this!

Thanks,
-david

Sorry you have got no chance of removing yourself...unless you grind through collar and bearing hence destroying it. You will then have to get the new one pressed anyway...

You can do it without a press but it is a significant challenge and a bit agricultural. You need to remove the old bearings with a cold chisel or skillfully operated 4" grinder with a cutting disk. Then use a sledge hammer and an appropriate ID galvanised pipe to drive the new bearing on. The pipe must be no bigger than the internal bearing race. Use the old bearing race to protect the new one as you drive it on.

Grinder and cold chisel off. . .

then

Get a frypan and a bit of oil, heat the bearing and collar before installing.

Have the 'fore mention pipe ready. . .

Alright.. I am highly skilled with the 4" grinder with cutting disk (welder/fabricator). I was thinking about heating the bearing/collar to make the fit easier - so thanks for that I will do so. The worst I could do is destroy the axle trying to get the old bearing off, and I have 4 to work with.

Will post my experience after I do it.

-david

man, how many hours work are you going to put in to save $100?
Sometimes it's just not economic to do it yourself!

I do my own...actually, I lie. I give em to my brother who has a press, drop in a tray of beer and he does them. I open the beer, watch, and make sure the beer doesnt evaporate... Works for everybody....

So yep, smack the original collar in three places, really hard with the cold chisel to spread it. It should come off pretty easily after that. Heat the new one up in the oven or similar before you whack it on, and make sure you really seat it down against the bearing...

Haha thanks for all the advice.

How much work am I willing to do to save $100? Well.. a few hours I guess but that's not really the point of the whole thing. I LIKE this kind of stuff.. if I did'nt I probably would'nt own this car or have done all the crap I have done to it already.

Somehow the knowledge that I put my hands on every last bolt, nut, manifold, and driveshaft in this whole car gives me satisfaction. So.. I'll sweat swear and bleed a little to save $100.. yep.

-david