<VV> Separating rear axle bearing from brake backing plate

[JRVIDRINE@aol.com]

Howdy!

I got up early this morning and started taking the right rear axle assembly 
apart on my 1962 Monza so I can change out a bad rear axle bearing.  I thought 
that the problem would be in taking the yoke off.  I'll find out about that 
later.

I dissassembled everything according to the 61 shop manual.  The only problem 
is that the rear axle bearing assembly seems to be firmly attached to the 
brake backing plate.  The pictures in the manual show the axle (with bearing) 
coming out of the rear brake backing plate without dissassembling the brakes.  I 
think that can be done if and when the bearing assembly decides to come loose. 
 I'm sure this is the original bearing and has been in place for 42 years.  I 
took the 4 nuts off of the studs on the rear suspension arm and got the "U" 
joint off.  The axle moved outward, but attached to the brake backing plate.  I 
thought a few strikes with a punch and a hammer on the sides of the bearing 
assembly (directly on the brake backing plate) would help.  So far no luck.  I 
have sprayed Kano Aerokroil penetrating oil all around the bearing assembly 
(at the edges) and in back of the plate where the axle comes out.  I tapped on 
it a considerable time and have given up for the moment.  

If anyone knows of a trick, or something that isn't in the manual, I would 
appreciate any help.  I hope that when I get home this afternoon I will have 
something that will help.

Thanks
Randy Vidrine
62 Monza PG Coupe
Branch, LA