bigmike31

Hey guys,
I have a 1978 F150 with 5.0 and a Ford 9 inch rear end. I have a leaking wheel seal and it's chucking grease into the drum. I need to replace that seal but there is a retainer ring type thing on the axle and I'm not sure how to get it off without breaking it because I can't find another anywhere. The service manual said to cut it off but if I need it again that makes no sense, since I can't find another anywhere. So any ideas on how to get it off of there or where to find another would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

GhostriderI

Which retainer ring are you talking about? The one on the shaft in the differential? If it is a full ring you may be able to find one end of the ring then using a small screwdriver and "walk it off" with the screwdriver as a small pry-bar lifting the spring up and past the end of the shaft if it is close enough.

bigmike31

I figured out its the collar for the bearing, it keeps the bearing from moving on the shaft.

GhostriderI

So it would be the inter seal?

GhostriderI

I'm looking at the bottom right on this page

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/FC/full.aspx?Page=123

jkenprice1

There should be a hole about 1" in your axle flang. If you look through that hole you should see 4 nuts. These hold in the Bearing retainer plate. remove the 4 nut. You have to put a wrench or socket on the bolts on the back side of the backing plate. After removing the 4 retainer plate bolts, attach a slide hammer to the axle. You have to use the slide hammer to pull the axle bearing out of the axle housing. The axle comes out also. Next take the axle to a shop to have the bearing removed and the seal replaced. As old as the truck is, you might as well replace the bearings while your thus far into it. When you get the axles back from the shop, slide them into the housing. You'll have to play with it a little to get the axle splines into the splines in the differential case. Next you'll have to get the bearing back into the housing. Reinstall the 4 bolts, check the differential fluid level and ther ye be bucko.

machviii

jkenprice1 is exactly correct on this. I'll just add one thing. Change might as well replace to ABSOLUTELY replace the wheel bearing.

In most cases I have seen, the seal fails due to play in a worn bearing. The only difference in what you'll pay is the cost of the bearing, since it has to come off and get put back in anyway.

Also you should absolutely replace the rear brake shoes. Trying to clean them is useless. Gear oil gets embedded in the brake linings. I'd also recommend replacing the seal and bearing on the opposite side shortly thereafter. Doing them at the same time, will save time and effort.

GhostriderI

<< feeling stupid, been to long since I did axle work I forgot about the bearing retainer. Thanks for reminding me jkenprice1. and Yes I agree with machviii if you can do them both at the same time it will save down time on the truck and prevent the same problem down the road on the other side. Also now would be a good time to do a brake job on the rear also IMHO.

Manuellabour247

The bearings on my 75 were pressed on. It also had the seal and axle retainer in one. I know they changed them eventually, but not sure when. I agree though, if you're going to change the seal, replace the bearings.

And DO BOTH SIDES! No point in only doing one side.

bigmike31

I was planning on replacing the bearings and seals on both sides as well as brakes. Just didn't know how to get the collar off. More importantly I need to know where to find a new collar to put back on? Thanks for all the help guys I appreciate it