Removing rear axel from housing

[CJHenderson]

 On my 1970 280SL I have removed the left axel and housing from the rear end and now do I just press the axel out or is there a snap ring that needs to come out? The Haines manual covers the open axel but very little on the closed one.

[ja17]

Normally the axle is removed with a puller before the housing is removed. You will need to remove all six 13mm nuts from around the brake backing plate. Place a block of wood over the splined axle end and tap the axle out with a hammer or mallet. The axle , bearing and backing plate should slide out of the axle housing.