1983 Eagle Wagon rear axle bearing R/R?

[diskman]

I have a slight grinding coming from the rear end of my 83 wagon.  My finely tuned 50 year old ears say its the outer axle bearings.  Is there a how-to on replacing them anywhere?  I also have a weeping seal on the right side rear that I will fix while in there.  Also probably replace all the brake hardware too.

[eaglefreek]

Welcome, diskman. It's been quite a while since I pulled an axle, so I'm going from memory and happened to be talking to AMarshall about this a few days ago.

Remove wheel, drum and brake parts.
Remove four nuts holding axle retainer plate in place.
You should now be able to pull the axle out. You might need to use some persuasion like a slide hammer if it's stuck.
You will have to get the axle bearing removed and the new one pressed on. There is a seal on the retainer and also an inner seal, if I recall. If so, the axle bearing needs to be packed with grease.

[AMC of Houston]

Its much easier to get the hub off while the axle is still in the car (using a big 'ol hub puller).   Hope you don't have the dreaded Eagle busted right axle issue!

[diskman]

Alrighty.  Looks like it's basically a D30 setup from what I have read.  BUT, with those end hubs that I need to remove.  Going to see if I can weld up a puller using a bottle jack for them.  Also, is it possible to press on the axle bearings at home?  Or will I need to locate a machine shop for this?

[AMC of Houston]

Depends on your press!    A 10-ton shop press would probably do it OK once you have the hub removed.    I have a 10 and a 30, and I've used both for axle bearing jobs.