RESTORATION
9
10
Once the pin and bolt have been removed (remember to put
them someplace safe), carefully remove the C-clips from the
axles. If the Mustang has been modified with C-clip eliminators,
you’ll need to remove the studs that secure them to the brake
backing plates and pull them off before sliding out the axles.
11
To remove the bearing (visible at the edge of the axlehousing),
use a bearing puller kit like this one from Matco tools which
uses a slide hammer. We’ll be using the 1-7/8-inch–diameter
puller to remove the bearings. Attach the puller to the end of
the slide hammer, gently slide it in, and pull the bearing from the
axlehousing. Often it requires a bit of prying in order to get the
old bearing out.
60 FOXMustangMagazine.com
On our '86, with the C-clips removed, the axles can be carefully
slid out. You can use the inner edge of the axle to pull out the
old outer bearing seal.
12
You’ve got a lot of choices for your replacement bearings.
Because our car is stock and we won’t race it, we’re using OEM
replacements from Federal Mogul. For more extreme use, such
as street/strip or road course driving, a set of heavy-duty Timken
bearings are more than up to the job. Have a look at our new
bearings compared with the originals. In operation, Fox Mustangs
supply lube from the pumpkin, down the axles to the bearings, so
there’s no need to pack them with grease like the front wheels.