i was not aware that could happen, i have always tapped them on. but i could see as a rocking motion could open the ring up. thanks for the heads up and i will press them on from now on.
I and a friend always carefully drove them on with a hammer and drift on the inner race. Maybe the axle that slid off had its bearing more roughly treated.
No drain plug in the bottom of the housing makes it 55 or 56 Chevrolet housing. 55-56 axles take a DIFFERENT axle bearing than a 57 does. The axles are also different; can't use a 57 in a 55-56, or the other way around. RW507ER or the CHINESE replacement WBRW507ER (beware of the quality there, but virtually all are made offshore now). EXPENSIVE too! IF you don't have access to a hub/axle puller, you could use a length of trucker chain bolted to a wheel stud, and then "whip" the chain. I DO NOT suggest that method however; the only time I've ever been knocked out was helping my younger brother pull an axle in his 55 chevrolet using a chain he had. The chain came off the stud, and nailed me at the base of my skull; lights out for a few seconds. Use a good puller and a good bearing if you can find one (NOS/NORS). I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
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