I've disassembled the rear subframe and removed the brakes etc on the rear swing arm - it all needs a big refurb.

OK, I want to replace the wheel bearings as part of the rebuild.

Dust cap, castle nut / split pin, big washer etc all come off easy enough.

I know what it all looks like inside via a workshop manual and parts book - two bearings, spacer, circlip on the very bottom / inner end, etc.

BUT I'm stuffed if I can get the "axle" (for the want of a better term) to budge. I don't believe the circlip is designed to be removed in situ.

All I've tried so far is to put the castle nut back on the thread upside down and giving it a belt with a hammer (via block of wood to soften the blow). Am I wasting my time - does it all need to be pressed out in a workshop? AM I wrong about the circlip? Or does it just need more persistent percussive persuasion.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Cheers

Jamie

Leave axle alone! Pull hub off axle, remove bearings and grease seal from the hub with a drift or punch. Replace with new bearings, spacer and grease seal, slide hub back onto axle and Bob's your uncle.
Sometimes the inner bearing cups or housings will stay on the axle when the hub is removed. They can carefully be removed by tapping them off the axle with a punch.

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Curly
'64 Cooper 'S' (Group Nb spec)
'67 Mini Marcos GT www.mm7056.wordpress.com