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Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:08 pm

I have a 64 Ghia, and the rear axle seal was leaking by the tire. At first a simple replacment. I took bearing cover off but can not get the spacer off to replace the 'washer' and small 0-ring. I have tried to pry it off but no luck. All the pully pullers I have will not fit (teath are too big to grasp begind the spacer).

Is there a trick or special tool to get the space off? I think I may have nicked up the washer so much that I would feel better to take it off and replace.

Any help would be great.

Wed Sep 03, 2008 6:14 pm

IIRC there is something in the Muir's book about a tool you can make for that spacer. A couple of bolts a metal plate and a couple of wing nuts. My copy of the book isn't handy at the moment. Maybe someone else will find it and give rhe page number.

Thu Sep 04, 2008 4:02 am

I had this same thing happen before too on my first Ghia (a '68).

I believe 74Ghia is referring to the Muir guide's suggestion for a wheel bearing puller which might work to remove the spacer too however I didn't go to that extent.
I used a very thin screwdriver and simply tapped it into the seam between the axle/drum spacer and the bearing's inner race, working around to push the spacer away evenly as possible. This screwdriver was far too tiny to actually pry with.. Once the spacer was pushed away a small amount, I stepped-up to a larger screwdriver and so on. Eventually getting to an actual pry bar when the gap opened enough but by that time the spacer was sliding along easily.

Also, you might find heating-up the spacer helps it get moving...

Fri Sep 05, 2008 4:30 pm

Thanks for the tips. I got a wood chisle and blow torch from my neighbor - 4 whacks with the chisle (no heat) and it was off. It must have been the 2hr hitting with the screw driver that loosened up.

Thanks again.