I was just looking at my new Ford 9 inch rearend. The wheel bearings are the sealed type. They are pressed onto the axle. They fit into the housing end and are held in place by a horeshoe shaped bearing retainer. My question is what keeps the axle from slipping out? Is it the press fit of the wheel bearing or am I missing something?
Thanks,
Rich

Its the press fit of the bearing.

I was just looking at my new Ford 9 inch rearend. The wheel bearings are the sealed type. They are pressed onto the axle. They fit into the housing end and are held in place by a horeshoe shaped bearing retainer. My question is what keeps the axle from slipping out? Is it the press fit of the wheel bearing or am I missing something?
Thanks,
Rich

Rich,
You answered your own question..........

They fit into the housing end and are held in place by a horeshoe shaped bearing retainer.

They are not held in place by the press fit of the bearing alone. There are 4 bolts that go through the bearing retainer plates and secure the axle to the axle flange on the 9". In the event of an axle breakage the retainer plates keep the wheel and tire on the vehicle instead of destroying the quarter panel and/or causing a severe accident.

There should be a big press-on steel ring/collar inboard each bearing that also holds the bearings in position too.

I've cut the rings off w/ a big Ford tool and a cold chisel. And some guys carefully blow-cut them w/ a smoke wrench.

pdq67

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it as always.
Rich