rear axle stuck

[govproperty]

I am trying to replace a leaky diff axle seal on a 1g eclipse but I can not get the axle out far enough. I did get it to pop out of the differential and the 4 bolts unbolted. I have tried a punch and 3lb hammer to try and separate the 4 bolt flange but I couldn't get anything to move. Both the FSM and the hayes manuals act as if it would just fall out once unbolted and out of the differential. Any ideas?

 

[BoostedBeaver]

The cup has a ridge that the axle side seals around. A few light taps while pushing the axle towards the diff and it should separate.

Robert

 

[govproperty]

Thanks, Robert. I did just that and then pried it off the rest of the way using the shock mounting bolt.