Stumped on installing rear axle

[cazman]

I am stumped. I needed to replace my rear bearing spacer, because I was tightening my axle nut too frequently. On inspection, it the spacer has a visible rib from crushing and it .010 too short. Everything else is good.

I installed new bearings and spacer into the carrier on the bench, but then I had no way to press the axle shaft through the carrier when it was all back together. Then it was figured that I should press the inner bearing on the axle shaft first. But, the inner bearing OD is too big to pass through the radius arm hole.

What am I doing wrong?

[europa88]

Just done this
a) A bearing puller setup to work in reverse.
B) As per JB's suggestion, tap in in with a copper or hide hammer with a BIG hammer at the back to soak up the impact.
You cant do it by putting the bearings on the shaft first...Well at least I couldn't 

[cazman]

So is the puller in reverse is the two hammers?

[jbcollier]

The upright has to be out of the radius arm to install bearings and inner spacer.  Then back in the radius arm and you can fit the axle.

[cazman]

Yes that was my first attempt, bit I did not want to pound the shaft or housing against the bearings. Paul Freen remembered that he used some pipe the same diameter as the inner race and that if you hit the pipe/outboard inner race/spacer/inboard inner race the force will transmit through to the housing, not the bearings. That and putting the shaft in the freezer got it on.

Thanks all.