Drive Shaft Seal Question from first time restorer

When replacing the drive shaft seal, the seal comes out the front end (U-joint end) doesn't it? The bearing race must be removed then the seal, correct? The reason I am asking is I am having a whale of a time getting it out and I wanted to make sure that I am pushing or pulling in the right direction. Thanks from a newbie restorer.
 
Yes and yes. A removal tool can be bought from most vendors that will drive the seal and bearing race out together without a great deal of trouble. Or you can make one by welding a large washer, slightly smaller than the seal outer diameter, to a 1/2 inch pipe coupler. A length of pipe long enough to reach inside to the seal is required.
 
Thanks MAG, I purchased one of the seal drivers and understand exactly how it works to drive a new seal into place from the front, but as far as driving an old seal out, the driver tool OD is too large and will not fit all the way down the torque tube. Is that how you drive them out, or am I really confused?
 
I drive the old one out with a wooden dowel like a closet rod that is longer than the toque tube. Just put the dowel in the tube then stand it up and slam the torque tube down towards the floor. It should just pop out.
 
Yes Mitch, I drive them way with the tool but the washer is slightly smaller in dia. than the seal. I have also slipped a socket on the end of a drive shaft and used that to remove the seal and race. I dont remember the size of the socket but it fits on the end of the drive shaft. You can set the drive shaft on the floor and drop the torque over the socket and the seal usually pops right out.
 
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