Dana 44 bearing retaining ring removal

I have searced for this information but cannot find anything. Can someone help?

What is the best way to get the bearing retaining ring off the axles?

 

they need to be pressed on and off.

 

with a 3/8" drill bit, start to drill into the lock ring, from the side.
just like you're gonna drill a hole; drill deep into the lock ring, but stop before the drill bit hits the axle. (even half way will work)
then take a large cold chisel, and hit across the hole
the lock ring will split and break free.
they are not re-useable anyway

 

Or slit with a dremel cut-off wheel if you are replacing bearings. Slit on both sides to make it easy to peel it off.

 

Cut off wheel and chisel was the ticket. Thanks.

Ok whats the best way to get them back on? I guess a shop/floor press and let the axle stub hang downward between the arbor plates?

 

Yup, they must be pressed on. Put on the axle retaining plate first (the part that bolts to the housing) the outer seal, then the bearing. Make sure the bearing is on the right direction then press it on. Press bearing retainer on last by itself. Make sure to use a little extreme pressure grease. Don't try and press the bearing and the retainer on at the same time as you can't control as well getting everything on straight and it takes literally tons of pressure to get them on individually.

 

Ok, I acutall found the service manual last night on oljeep.com. It says to press the bearing retainer and bearing on at the same time. But I see your point. Thanks for your reply.

 

Install the retainer plate!

 

Kinda like brakes, leave one side together and complete the replacement before taking the other one off, and you can make sure everything is facing the right way.