I am trying to remove the hub bearing assembly from the front end of my 2005 F-250. The job is really straightforward except for 1 part: the snap ring inside the center hub behind the 4wd locking hub around the shaft. This project has been ongoing for months and I have spent close to 200 on snap ring pliers and they either break, are too weak.. and the ones that are strong enough are too large to expand in the confined space.

I have tried drilling the clip dead center opposite the clip opening hoping I could weaken it enough to snap it in half. Bought a titanium metal bit for the job and it barely leaves a a mark on the clip.

Before I throw in the towel, does anyone have a trick to get this ^*&% thing off?

John

 

The snap ring is a bitch to remove. I had to use a small screwdriver and a pick to get behind the ring and pull it out. It takes more then one set of hands but can be done. Finding the right angle on the snap ring pliers is tough. You can spread them but pulling them out is difficult. After spreading the ring get a small screw driver in there and then put the pick in and work it around the axle and it will come off. hold your tongue on the right side of your mouth and it will help as well. Good luck...

 

Thanks for the reply. I actually got it out about 15 minutes after I posted this question. I should have followed up.

What I ended up doing was used the latest pair of snap ring pliers I bought (they were long and thin, but stronger than the rest, but wouldn't open quite wide enough), I got the clip spread as far as possible. Then, with the fattest, largest flathead screwdriver I could find, I placed the head in between the plier ends (in the 'V' where it hinges) and twisted my wrist like I was rolling on the throttle of a motorcycle. The width of the flathead pressing against the inside of the pliers gave it that extra 3/16" of an inch spread and the clip popped right off.

Side one down, side 2 next weekend.

Again, thanks for the reply..

John