removing rear axles

[Texanferever]

So I have a seal leaking on the pass side rear axle and I went to remove them. I read lots of posts and the tech article that says turn the drum around and use it as a slide hammer. After removing the retainer plate, I pulled on the axle, not very hard at all, and it slid right out. Same thing with the drivers side, didn't have to beat out or even put the drum on backwards for leverage. I was really expecting to beat on it for awhile, and was shocked when there wasn't any need.

I assume this isn't very normal, and is there something else I need to be worried about?

I will replace the bearings and seals as soon as I find a shop that will press them on and of.

 

[samjr66]

Make sure you check your housing for what I call egging. That is when the bearing wears the housing out oblong.

 

[JLBachs]

There is going to be some variation in how hard a bearing will be stuck in a housing. As said, look for an eliptical-shaped hole and if you have a slide that will measure inside, you may even want to check it. Really though, it's probably fine.

 

[bad 68]

Just because you didn't have to use a slide hammer to get the axles out doesn't mean there is something wrong. While the axles are out and the bearing pressed Off, check very closely for a crack between the wheel flange and the bearing area. Very closely