8-3/4 axle shaft oil seal removal-Can’t Be This Tough!

[7E-Bodies]

Ok, should be simple. Trying to completely strip down an 8-3/4 for rebuild. Everything is out with ease. EXCEPT for the axle shaft oil seals. Thinking back 35 years (so forgive me), aren't they just pushed in? Or am I about to be embarrassed because there's a snap ring or retainer? I have a Snap-On slide hammer (per service manual) I'm probably still paying a mortgage on and these things won't budge. What gives?

[Burdar]

No clip of any kind.  They just push in.  I usually put a bar into the axle tube and smack it with a hammer through the center section hole.

[7E-Bodies]

@Burdar thanks. Got it and was just checking back to report when I saw your reply. If I stare at something long enough, I typically invent a way. I figured the slide hammer wasn't getting a solid enough grip, so I cut a piece of 3/4 plywood as a chunk to force my slide hammer hook against for a good bite, and they finally surrendered.

[Bill Rolik]

Easiest way to remove the seals?


Use the end of the axle shaft and pry them out. The only casualty is the seal itself.


Bill Rolik

[Filthy Filbert]

sounds like you got it already but, for future reference to others, When I did mine 10 years ago, I used a hammer and chisel to cut through the seals and then pry and wrestle them out.   used a 2x4 and mallet to push the new ones in.

[Rich G.]

I've always did them like Bill does.  Pops right out....most of the times.