I have a 2008 F250 and decided to try and replace the upper and lower ball joints at the house. Everything went smoothly until the part where the axle must be removed and pulled out through the steering knuckle. I found other posts and videos where they seemed to just pull the axle out with ease. From what it seems, all the instructionals posted are 2007 or older which are different inside the hub. Instead of having a "thrust washer" my axle has some round thing that does not look like can be removed.

Has anyone removed the axle through the steering knuckle? Any helpful tips or websites to visit? I was told it must be pressed out by a machine shop, but I don't see how that's right. I can post pics if needed.

Thanks

 

My E99 F350 has a Dana 60 front axle. I do not know if your model is the same but imagine it is.

I had to pry the front axles out of the axle tube and through the knuckle. It did not come easy as you have to force the big seal in the knuckle out.

I just kept prying on it with as big a pry bar as I could fit in there until it all came out.

I was told that you can drive the big seal out of the knuckle by pounding on the u joint to drive the seal out but did not try it.

It is a tight fit and you are going to destroy the seal but it will work.

Good luck.

PS: I found that putting a new seal back on the axle was a chore also. I really had to drive it one. I had a tool made up by a local pipe shop but still had to use a punch. If you runin the seal then just buy another one and try again.

good luck.

 

you pry it out. Replace with a new seal. Also there are updated dust seals when you put it back together too.

 

Thanks guys, I was trying to do it without damaging the seal but it just wasn't happening. With the help of a much bigger hammer and some bud light, they popped right out. Now i'll just have to wait until the ford house opens to get the new seals and it should be all downhill from there.

 

take some emery paper to clean around there if needed before you put the new seals in. makes it go in easier

 

Sorry to bring up old thread! I'm new to the forum and am getting ready to do the front axle ball joints and seals in my 2008 F250. I was just wondering about the picture in this old thread. Isn't the seal pictured in backwards? Thanks for your time!

 

When prying out that seal it was bending , also trying to pry away from the
knuckle was tough, its getting looser as I keep prying, but I don't want to
damage anything.
Should the shaft come out from the dif as well , with out ease? , only because Ineed to change the short shaft and hub because the splines are sloppy , drivers side , cant get vacuum from the knuckle inlet, so I need to change seals.

 

should come out without too much effort.