AXle bearings

To remove the axle bearing, the axle needs removed. I will give you general directions, but I do recommend getting a manual for specifics.

Safely support the rear of the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the tires, brake drum, remove the rear differential cover and drain the gear lube. Turn the axle until you see a set bolt that is on the side of the differential. Remove it, remove the long differential pin from within the spider gears. Once removed, push in on the axle and there is a clip that will fall out (it retains the axle in the differential. When replacing it, make sure it is fully seated). Once the clip is off, the axle will pull out. Once the axle is out, usa a pry bar to remove the axle seal. From this point, you will need a slid hammar. I believe on this year, the bearing is pressed into the axle housing. Using the slid hammar, remove the bearing, but make sure to measure the distance that the bearing is recessed into the housing first so you can replace the new one in the same way. NOTE: If the bearing is pressed on the axle, use the same tool to remove it, but place a score mark where the old bearing is located to replace it. Once you have reinstalled the new bearing, lubericate the neal axle seal with gear lube and tap it into place. Reverse the order to replace. PLEASE MAKE SURE THE AXLE RETAINER SLIDES ARE FULLY SEATED OR THE AXLE CAN COME OUT AND OFF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN YOU REPLACE THE AXLE SHAFT (WHICH HOLDS THE AXLES IN PLACE) MAKE SURE TO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE RETAINER BOLT.

As far as an E-150, I have confirmed the bearing is pressed in the axle housing. There is a special puller you can use to remove it or a slide hammer. I qoute step 9 "Remove the bearing and oil seal from the housing. Both the seal and bearing can be removed with a slide hammer" (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repairinfo/repairguide/repairGuideContent.jsp?fromSearchPage=true&pageId=0900c15280072ac5&partName=Axle+Shaft%2C+Bearing+and+Seal&partId=0900c15280072ac5) I have attached a picture of rear axle bearing removal with a bearing puller, but a slid hammar will work just as well.