Replacing bearings

[Thierry]

 The owner of my old Mustang sent me an email asking me tips on how to replace the bearings of the rear wheels. I have never done it before so if anyone could help him, it would be appreciated. On the picture you can see how far he had it apart but he doesn't know how to take off the plate on the front.

[ ERROR: SPECIFIED ATTACHMENT MISSING ]

[Bossnutt]

The bearings are part of the axle and you have to take the axle out first.  That "plate" as you call it doesn't come off.  I'm going to try to scan the page in my book that tells you how to do it and then post it up.

[Bossnutt]

I hope this helps.

[Thierry]

 Does the entire axle really have to be taken out? The plate as I called it is in fact the spline (I did some search since my post). If you remove the 4 bolts described in step 8 shouldn't it come out. They are not talking about the spline but saying it will remove the brake assemblies. To do so the spline has to come out of the way?
Here is a picture of a spline I have found. From what i can see it does seem to be attached by the 4 bolts only. What do you think?

[Don A]

The big question is WHY? There is no reason to replace unless it failed.

Step 1--Remove the 4 retainer bolts

Step 2--Remove the axle assembly--Most likely you will need a slide hammer which bolts to the wheel studs

Step 3--Using a cold chisel cut the retaining ring and remove it

Step 4--Using a suitable press remove the bearing---This can sometimes be done with a hammer and drift and heat, however a press is best

Step 5,6,7 & 8---Reverse the process

[Thierry]

 I don't know why he needs to replace them but I am sure he has a good reasons 
Thanks for this step by step process, it  couldn't be easier to understand

[Bossnutt]

Is it a 8" or 9" Ford?  If that be the case Xnutt (my B/F) said yeah just take out those 4 bolts and that's all you have to do it'll come out.  He needs an axle puller.

[Thierry]

 I use to own that Mustang but I can't tell you if it was an 8" or 9". At that time, i didn't have the tools we have today to find out information about Mustangs. The owner will will bring the bearings or their serial numbers to a specialist and will probably know more about it by then.