Ball bearings are lubricated with grease packed in the
bearing at the factory. An inner seal, designed to keep
the gear oil from the bearing, rides on the axle shaft just
in front of the retaining ring. This type of bearing also has
an outer seal to prevent grease from spraying onto the rear
brakes. Ball-type axle bearings are pressed on and off the
axle shaft. The retainer ring is made of soft metal and is
pressed onto the shaft against the wheel bearing. Never
use a torch to remove the ring. Rather, drill into it or notch
it in several places with a cold chisel to break the seal
(Figure 38-35). The ring can then be slid off the shaft easily
Heat should not*be used to remove the ring because it
can take the temper out of the shaft and thereby weaken
it. Likewise, a torch should never be used to remove a
bearing from an axle shaft.