Axle Shafts & Bearings: Removal

Raise and support vehicle. Place transmission in Neutral and release parking brake. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Ensure rear suspension is hanging free. Remove brake drum.
Remove wheel flange lock nut and washer. Discard lock nut. Remove wheel flange using Puller (D81L-1002-A). Support backing plate. Remove bearing hub assembly. Clamp bearing hub assembly in vise. Pry inner grease seal from hub.
NOTE: Wheel flange lock nuts are not interchangeable. Left side nut has left-hand threads and right side nut has right-hand threads.

Fig 1: Exploded View of Rear Drive Axle & Stub Axle Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove inner bearing from hub. Remove outer seal and bearing in same manner. Remove outer bearing races from hub using Puller (T77F-1102-A) and slide hammer. Ensure puller jaws do not catch on edges inside hub.
Disconnect and support outer end of drive axle. From under vehicle, pull stub axle out from rear of bearing hub.