How do i remove driver rear axle on my 97 epedition. i removed hub assembly, and the C-clip; but the axle wont budge

Jeff is describing how to replace the front wheel bearings. In the front, the bearing is part of a "hub cartridge". Randy is describing how to change the rear bearings on a truck with a "dead" rear axle. The sort of differential which is one massive cast iron assembly from rim to rim. However, your truck has an IRS [Independent Rear Suspension] design. You need to remove the wheels, brakes & the complete rear knuckle assembly. To remove the bearing from the knuckle requires a hydraulic press and a "knife edge" bearing removal tool. I doubt that you have these tools available. If not, find an auto parts store or auto machine shop with these tools. They can press the old bearing out and install the new one for you. Then you can reassemble the knuckle assembly from that point on. The video linked below should help you.


Ford Explorer Independent Rear Suspension Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub...


With the knuckle off, you can easily replace the ball joints at the same time. Odds are you will ruin the original ball joints getting the knuckle assembly off, anyway.

The disc is not held on with the axle hub nut, you need to remove the brake calipar & carrier , then the 6mm Allen screw from the disc, the disc may be seized on the hub or sticking on the handbrake shoes you may have to hot the disc centre with a hammer to loosen it

are you sure that the hub is separate to to the drum
mostly with fully floating axles the hub and drum are one piece
that means that you have to remove the axle ( 8 studs )
pull then axle
then undo the axle nuts in the hub and then the hub and drum will come off

Hub & Bearing Removal & Installation To Remove:
Hub bearing assembly (Typical)

1. Release parking brake.
2. Remove rear wheel assembly.
3. Remove rear wheel speed sensor from carrier.
4. Dismount brake caliper and support with mechanic's wire.
5. Remove brake disc.
6. Remove 4 axle hub mounting bolts. Special tool 09432-11000 (Typical)
   
   
7. Using tool 09432-11000 (or suitable gear puller), remove tone wheel.
8. Remove carrier.
9. Remove stakes and remove flange nut.
10. Support bearing outer race flange and press rear axle hub out.
11. Using tool 09432-11000 (or suitable puller), remove inner race from axle hub.

To Install:
Hub bearing assembly (Typical)

1. Apply thin coat of grease to bearing contact surface and hub.
2. Using and appropriate tool, press bearing into hub. CAUTION
   Do not press against outer race of wheel bearing.
   
3. Install flange nut and stake nut until it meets concave portion of spindle.
4. Install carrier.
5. Use an appropriate tool to press tone wheel.
6. Install hub/bearing assembly with rounded portion of outer race facing up.
7. Install 4 hub/bearing assembly bolts and rotate hub to seat bearing.
8. Measure wheel bearing starting torque with a spring balance or equivalent device.
   • Starting torque should measure 15.9 in lb (1.8 Nm) or less
9. Install brake disc.
10. Mount brake caliper.
11. Install rear wheel speed sensor to carrier.
12. Install rear wheel assembly.

okay i assume the rotor is off,remove the bolts out the back, take a hammer and beat the front of the hub the top then bottom then the sides to free,hit so that hub pull out,you will be hitting the back side the hub where the wheel would sit,if that doesnt work then use a chisel to break free, stick it where the hub meet spindle,ITs just frozen beat it.

don't have topaz. maybe escort will help guide you.

Section 04-02: Suspension and Wheel Hubs, Rear 1996 Escort, Tracer Workshop Manual
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly NOTE: Wheel bearings are not serviceable and should therefore be replaced as an assembly with the wheel hub (1104).

Removal

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
   

1. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
   

1. Remove the hub grease cap (1131) from the wheel hub.
   

1. If equipped with disc brakes, remove the rear disc brake caliper (2552) and rear disc brake rotor (2C026). Refer to Section 06-04 for the removal procedure.
   

1. If equipped with drum brakes, remove the two brake drum screws and the brake drum (1126).
   

1. Unstake the rear axle wheel hub retainer (4B477) securing the wheel hub to the rear wheel spindle (4A013). Remove and discard the rear axle wheel hub retainer.
   
2. Remove the wheel hub from the rear wheel spindle.

front or rear?

Assuming rear, on the brake drum:

Hub Removal

1. If equipped, remove the brake drum (1126) ; refer to Section 206-02 . If equipped, remove the rear disc brake rotor (2C026) ; refer to Section 206-04 .

1. Remove the wheel hub.
   1. Unstake the rear axle wheel hub retainer.
   1. Remove the rear axle wheel hub retainer and discard.
   1. Remove the wheel hub (1104).

Remove tire, remove axle nut, pop ball joint off, remove clip, pull axle

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It should have a bolt through a pin holding it in place inside the diff cover. Remove the cover, find the small bolt going through the pin, remove the bolt and pin, and push inward on the axle from the hub. The retainer clip should fall, allowing you to pull the axle shaft out.
Good luck!