remove axle seal...how?

Late model rear end, disc wheels.

I figured I'd replace a leaking axle seal this morning. Got the axle out and ... SOB! How in hell do you get the seal out?

There's a tapered collar that goes inside the seal on the flange side opposite the bearing. The collar is slotted part way.

I can't for the life of me see how to pull this thing out and pry out the seal.

The sad part is...I've bloody well done it before! A loooong time ago. Guess those brain cells moved to Poughkeepsie or somewhere equally out of range.

any help here?

nevermind.

duh!

(just pull it out--it ain't tight)