I am trying to get my rear passenger side axle shaft replaced, and I've got the pinion shaft removed but the axle will not for the life of me push in far enough to get the c clip removed. I've tried the sledge and I've tried pushing while spinning. I've spent all night trying to get this one axle out and it's just not giving me anything. Any help is appreciated!

EDIT: 2000 Durango 4.7liter 4x4

 

I suspect the splines twisted a bit, which they would do immediately after exiting the carrier, so you get what you got. I'm not sure how they would twist much on a domestic use vehicle. If thats it, you'll need a bigger hammer. Then once the clip is out, you'll need a 3' drift rod from the other side to get it back out again.

 

Not sure. Mine literally slid with my hand. Once I pulled the chrome shaft that keeps the axles outward, mine slid right in and the C clips dropped out. My truck had 250,xxx miles when I replaced it so I don't know. Any chance it's hung up on the outer bearing? Like it's worn a groove in the shaft and it's not centered enough to go in?

 

 

Define 'moves around' better. With the cross-pin still in, it should move maybe 1/8" on a push/pull at the lug ring. With the pin out, as you are expecting, it should move in 3/8" or more to get the thick c-clip out. Your problem could also be that the outer bearing (which the axle is supposed to float in), is hung up on the shaft somehow. The shaft only touches two things, the splined spider gears, and the bearing at the outer end.

 

Agreed. My definition of 'moves around' is how my rear end was when I replaced it. Outer bearings and carrier bearings were shot and grabbing the tire and moving it felt like a front hub assembly had gone severely bad-that's how bad the bearings were in my rear axle. Maybe try to dig out the outer seal (without scratching the machined surface) and take a look around at the outer bearings?

 

 

Slide hammer with a hub adapter attatched to the axle.

 

 

What wheel bearings do y'all suggest? I found some National ones but it also says they do not require a seal. Input?