How to remove vn rear axles for bearing replacement

[oldvn]

I am in the process of wanting to replace rear axle bearings. Just wanting to know what holds the axles in place. Also is there any other parts in there besides the bearings that wear out?? All help greatly appreciated.

[VK SL 3800]

There are 4 nuts that need to be undone, then just start using an old disc or drum and your wheel nuts on backwards as a slide hammer to pop the axle out.

[mr calais 5.0]

will have to undo the hand break as well.. Are you putting new bearings on your self or getting them pressed on by a shop?

[VK SL 3800]

will have to undo the hand break as well.. Are you putting new bearings on your self or getting them pressed on by a shop?

Doesnt the handbrake hub and backing plate stay there when the axle pops out, been a while since i did one

[mr calais 5.0]

IS it a drum or disk rear end? just looking in a v6 commodore/lexan book and its says to undo the 4 bolts and pull the axle out..

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

VN's never had drums. Just undo the four bolts and pull the axle out. The handbrake shoes stay on the backing plate.

[oldvn]

thanks for the input guys.
I have popped the wheel off, the caliper, the disc and have seen the 4 nuts. Undone them, seen the seal. Is it just the tight fit of the bearing in the diff that keeps the whole shaft in place?? The plate with the four nuts doesn't appear to do anything.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

The plate holds the axle in. The bearing is a tight fit. Put the disc on backwards and fit a couple of wheel nuts backwards as well, but not all the way so the disc can still slide in and out. Then grab the disc and pull it out sharply, the axle will pop out.

[Snap-on]

so when the axle comes out, then do you need to press the bearing out?

[Morton]

You're better off taking your axles to a workshop and getting them to press on the new bearings. For the $20 it'll cost you, save yourself the headache of having to split the cones off with a chisel.

I've always just used a chisel to strike the gap behind the bearing plate, then a good pry bar behind it to lever the axle out. It's primarily the pressure of the splines in the gear that keeps the axle lodged in there nicely. Getting them lined up and hammering them back in is the only real challenge to the job, and even that should only take a minute once you get the "feel" for it.

[Snap-on]

Ok the axle is out. Mounted the wheel on backwards and kicked it out from underneath the car. worked a treat.

How do you get the outer bearing race out of the diff axle?

[Pub247]

cold chisel is easiest ..... well that and a press works well for putting them on

[Snap-on]

Ok. I meant the cone that is left on the car after you pull the axle out

[Morton]

I almost wouldn't bother. They're not a heavy-wear item

[Snap-on]

got it out with a rolling head pry bar