dana 44 axle questions

pulled both rear axles , they came out easy. the problem is the old 10" brake backing plates are sandwiched between the hub and the bearing . the illustration in my manual doesn't address this. In order to remove the brake backing plates the bearings will need to come off the axles, doesn't make sense. Also it looks like the backing plate is flared to cup around the seal. When I go to disc brakes or 11" drums will I need a completely different seal? I had to cut the rusted bolts that held on the backing plates leaving me to believe everything is origional. Is it possible that the order of assembly differs from others? I am totally lost and need help! One more time to clarify the order, Hub first then retainer plate then brake backing plate then seal then bearing. this assembly slides into the tube and bolts in place with 6 bolts

 

IIRC, there is a steel ring on the back of the bearings (the side facing the splines). Drill a hole through it and then whack it with a chisel to crack it and pull it off. You will need a new one of these as it's shrunk fit onto the axle to retain the bearing. The bearing might require a bit of force and or slight heating to get it off, but when you do the backing plat and all will then be able to slide off. Assemble in reverse order and then you have to get that ring good and hot so it expands enough to fit then slide it on quick and hold it in place until it cools and shrinks onto the axle... As for the seal I dont' remember exatly how that fits in there from memory but IIRC it sits in the cup yoou mention on the outside of the backing plate.. It should be the same seal with either size backing plate.

BUBBA

 

It is a close fit but....
You should be able to slide the backing plate inward past the seal and bearing without removing the retaining ring and bearing cone.
The retaining ring and bearing cone should be removed and installed using a press because heat can ruin the axle shafts temper.

 

I have tried , there is no way the brake backing plate can slide over the seal and bearing. I saw a picture that showed the bearing on the outside of the backing plate, maybe mine was installed wrong?

 

I have tried , there is no way the brake backing plate can slide over the seal and bearing.

if i am reading you right, you have not removed the hub. you have to remve the hub first and it can be a real pita. you re just trying to do it backwards, eerything come off of the other end of the axel


I saw a picture that showed the bearing on the outside of the backing plate, maybe mine was installed wrong?

out board of the backing plate? then it would be in the drum?? thre is a metal retainer on the outer side of the backing plate, and its sole purpose was to deflect grease to the outside thru the weep hole in the event of a failed seal.

 

I think your backing plates are rusted to the outer bearing seal. All the ones that I have seen, the backing plate is not flared at the wheel bearing. It is flat. I think the flared part you are seeing is the outer wheel bearing seal.

 

GOT IT! Thanks for the assist, backing plate and bearing end cap were rusted together and lookid like one piece. A couple of hits with the hammer and they seperated.

 

great help for those of us going down the same road.....:tea:

 

A bit too late, but is this the one?

 

Thats tyhe culprit