How to remove aftermarket front OUTER axle seals

No that title is NOT a typo.

I'm tearing down my front axle to replace with a built HP30. On the old axle, the PO had installed aftermarket OUTER axle seals. When I pulled the axle shafts, they were clean as can be, so I would like pull the OUTER seals from the old axle and install on the new one.

Anyone ever done this before? Any suggestions? Searched the interwebs and came up with nada. Am thinking if I can get a big enough pari of channel locks on the outer flange I could just twist them out. Anyone got any better/other ideas?

dunno, slide hammer probably, maybe a long piece of steel pipe from the opposite end going into a large impact socket and a BFH

When I switched axles I was able to twist them out by hand with a little prying with a screw driver.

If they were installed correctly they are sealed in with RTV. If that's the case youre better off buying a new pair.

yup, pretty cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Motive-Gear-M...pebp=1447882577894&perid=189WFCC4XRJT0SEX3NR3


also not necessary. their purpose is to stop dirt and mud from getting into the axle, but they also stop you from knowing if the inner seal is leaking.

Moderate heat while twisting might make the rtv let go.

I was able to twist them out with channel locks. Mine had RTV sealant as well.