remove and install right rear axle? practical suggestions?

[Rick]

I am going to remove and install the right rear axle on the 280SL to reseal it and lube the bearing or maybe replace the bearing.   I'm a bit unsure about special considerations with this axle.  I have read the tech section, looked for posts discussing it, as well as reading the MBZ tech manual.

The right axle has a "barrel" wheel bearing as well as a snap ring at the splines which hold it in the sliding joint at the differential. I understand the housing has to be "full up" to reinstall in order for the snap ring to go in far enough to snap in place.

Questions--   1)  Is there anything special I should keep in mind to remove this axle-  the manual talks about rotating the axle before pulling it out and warns about breaking it if it is removed improperly?

2)  During installation--   the factory manual shows a rather elaborate tool to install the right side "barrel" wheel bearing.  Of course, I don't have that.   What considerations or method should be used to properly install this axle/bearing?

Thanks

[ja17]

The barrel bearing can be difficult to re-install in the axle tube. It tends to rotate out-of-square during installation. Gently tap the axle, and closely watch the bearing. When it gets out of square, use a flat drift through the hole in the axle hub to tap and adjust the bearing square again. Repeat as needed until the bearing gets far enough in to stay square. Your adjustments with the drift, actually happen on the backing plate, which in turn moves the bearing back to square.

[Benz Dr.]

I agree with Joe. Once the bearing is in far enough you will be able to use the nuts in front of the seal plate to pull the bearing into place.