1952 Plymouth Cranbrook rear axle seals leaking , How do I pull axle out to get to inside seal to replace it ?

[Eric]

1952 Plymouth Cranbrook rear axle seals leaking , How do I pull axle out to get to inside seal to replace it ?    Need detailed help and explanation . Also, why were there three shims on left side and only one shim on the right side when I took off the backing plates .   Should the shims not be the same ? Replaced outside seals and the problem side still leaking so thinking its the inside seal .  Trying to replace them all . 

[Plymouthy Adams]

you need to use a slide hammer or other rig device to mimic the slide hammer to remove the axle.....shims are there for the end float and as each is different so will be the thickness and or count of the shims.  This is an item you check/adjust as you change bearings on the average.  I often use a old flywheel with a stop plate behind the nut and pop out axles...some are just a bump and out..others may take bit more aggressive slamming.

[DJK]

I made a tool to remove the axles using a piece of pipe and a bolt. As PA said, slide hammer or some heavy object would also work.

[Sam Buchanan]

This may be stating the obvious.....but you do have a service manual, right?

 

You might try putting the brake drum back on the axle, start the nut a few threads, then use the drum as a slide hammer.