Advice needed vs 71 Duster rear wheel bearing replacement
Thanks! These seem to be great ideas. I look forward to getting out there and seeing what happens.
Once the retainer nuts are off (as I see you have done) the axle does take a good tug to get it out and the suggestion above re: using the brake drum backwards is a good one.
You need to understand these wheel bearings are NOT lubricated by differential fluid. The bearings are packed with wheel bearing grease and there is an inner grease seal (pressed in the axle housing) and an outer grease seal (floating with the retainer, on the axle before you press the new bearing on). Both of these will need replaced. Looking at your first picture, I'm guessing the inner seal failed allowing differential oil to contaminate the bearing grease and thinning it out. Then the outer seal having failed also, allowed this mixture to flow out onto the backing plate and axle flange.
Not having experience with this I strongly suggest you have a machine shop R & R the axle seal and bearing. Then inner seal needs to pulled out of the axle housing and a new one driven in square against the housing lip. Then care must be taken to not damage the inner seal by carefully installing the axle so it doesn't damage the inner seal lip.
Once this is completed you need to check the axle shaft end play and if necessary adjust it according to the manual. This is accomplished at the axle retainer on the right side.
I hope some of the above helps you understand the process and prevents some damage or a redo to your project and don't forget to check your manual along the way!
