Snap ring from Hell
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New User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 14
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From: New Boston, MI
Snap ring from Hell
Ok everyone,
I'm new to this Forum. I Am still an active member on S.C.C.O.A.....I just bought my 5th Diesel truck. 08 F250 SD, Crew cab short box, 6.4L...I am having a hard time getting the Snap Ring back on the 4x4 spindle hub, after replacing the LT ball joints. I'm a retired Ford Mechanic after 35 yrs. I have never snapped two different snap ring pliers off in my career, trying to put one back on..{It took me 2hrs to get it off though} Suggestions? ANYONE!....
I'm new to this Forum. I Am still an active member on S.C.C.O.A.....I just bought my 5th Diesel truck. 08 F250 SD, Crew cab short box, 6.4L...I am having a hard time getting the Snap Ring back on the 4x4 spindle hub, after replacing the LT ball joints. I'm a retired Ford Mechanic after 35 yrs. I have never snapped two different snap ring pliers off in my career, trying to put one back on..{It took me 2hrs to get it off though} Suggestions? ANYONE!....
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
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From: Roanoke, VA
When you replaced the knuckle seal make sure it was driven all the way down. Do all you can to make the axle move toward the locking hub. Make sure it has no extra washers on it. Have someone pry with your pry bar between the axle u-joint to move the axle outboard while you install snap ring. When you get it close to the groove you can push it the rest of the way with a flat blade screwdriver. HTH
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New User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 14
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From: New Boston, MI
Took me three hrs and two broken snap ring pliers, to get it out!...Axle seal IS seated but have not had the better half out to pry the axle shaft outward yet!. Broke two more very good snap ring pliers, trying to get the ## thing into the groove...Frustrated right now!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 320
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From: Roanoke, VA
When you get it close to the groove you can push it the rest of the way with a flat blade screwdriver.
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New User
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From: New Boston, MI
Maybe that's the problem? Not enough Miller ?.........
Fresh eyes tomorrow!...And a Dead blow hammer or a stick of TNT?...
Fresh eyes tomorrow!...And a Dead blow hammer or a stick of TNT?...
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New User
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: New Boston, MI
Ok guys,"HELP"
I Bought some LOCKING snap ring pliers..It Will work but Still won't go on, so I tore it back down... So I Pulled the knuckle seal and axle shaft again. Here's where I need the help!...Knuckle seal was installed by someone else, RUBBER SIDE OUT. Is this the CORRECT orientation for the 08' F250 5.5" dia Vacuum/knuckle seal? It is NOT the 3.5" I'm seeing in all of the Utube videos....Embarrassed now, 35 yrs as a mechanic but mostly small/light duty....
I Bought some LOCKING snap ring pliers..It Will work but Still won't go on, so I tore it back down...
So I Pulled the knuckle seal and axle shaft again. Here's where I need the help!...Knuckle seal was installed by someone else, RUBBER SIDE OUT. Is this the CORRECT orientation for the 08' F250 5.5" dia Vacuum/knuckle seal? It is NOT the 3.5" I'm seeing in all of the Utube videos....Embarrassed now, 35 yrs as a mechanic but mostly small/light duty....
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 134
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If I recall, I had this issue once. I only had one side apart so I took the other side apart and found I had gotten a piece out of order. I am usually pretty careful to keep the parts in order as I disassemble but I must of gotten to confident / in a hurry that day.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: New Boston, MI
jesse5, 1977cutcher, I Tried with pipe, screwdriver, punch...........Now my issue is the Hub seal RUBBER supposed to be "OUT" towards the auto hub?...I installed the old one, {OLD SEAL} after the ball joints the way it came apart...Now I have a "NEW" hub/knuckle seal..Just want to make sure I have it going back in the "CORRECT WAY"