How remove internal retaining ring

[Neverfly]

If you look at this website, you can see an image of the retaining ring in question - It is marked as C-S ( double angle):
http://www.smalley.com/retaining_rings/snap_rings.asp

Any suggestions on how to remove this kind of internal retaining ring?

 

[Ruger_556]

Screwdriver generally works... Get the edge started by prying out and then up with a tool of your choice (Screwdriver, pick, etc...) Then just work your way around.

 

[ken w.]

I usually use a small flat screwdriver and a straight pick.You slowly pry out the beveled end and hold the blunt end.As you pry out the end,you can peel it right out.

 

[ChevyEFI]

You have no access notch in the part itself?

Cut a divot in the ring so you can catch it and pull it inwards, then lift by getting behind and under it with a small prying lever (flatblade screwdriver or equivalent.)

Worst/best case you junk the ring and put a C-H or B-H in.

 

[Neverfly]

You have no access notch in the part itself?

Cut a divot in the ring so you can catch it and pull it inwards, then lift by getting behind and under it with a small prying lever (flatblade screwdriver or equivalent.)

Worst/best case you junk the ring and put a C-H or B-H in.

Would drilling two holes be advisable?

 

[Neverfly]

Screwdriver generally works... Get the edge started by prying out and then up with a tool of your choice (Screwdriver, pick, etc...) Then just work your way around.

The ring you have pictured is not the kind I am asking about. It's in the link I posted as C-S. It's a double angle retaining ring.
Man, believe me, I've tried standing on my head and prying at it with picks, screwdrivers and the like... doing so while doing my best to ensure I do not damage the casing, etc.

 

[Ruger_556]

The ring you have pictured is not the kind I am asking about. It's in the link I posted as C-S. It's a double angle retaining ring.
Man, believe me, I've tried standing on my head and prying at it with picks, screwdrivers and the like... doing so while doing my best to ensure I do not damage the casing, etc.

Ah' those... Those can be frustrating. Same method applies but frequently drilling holes or cutting a notch is required to get a grip on it.

 

[Neverfly]

Ah' those... Those can be frustrating. Same method applies but frequently drilling holes or cutting a notch is required to get a grip on it.

I was hoping there was a nifty tool for it.

Ah well, thanks guys - I'll try drilling or notching. Should be a really cheap part if it gives...

 

[bts]

Usually see those types used as an external retainer than an inner.

Best I have come across to get them out is a seal pick. 90deg bent one is the best.
Go into the grove between the two ends and try and get the point of the pick behind one end of the clip and pry it out a bit. Depending on the size you might be able to pry it out enough to get a small screwdriver or another seal pick in behind it.

 

[CDD]

If you look at this website, you can see an image of the retaining ring in question - It is marked as C-S ( double angle):
http://www.smalley.com/retaining_rings/snap_rings.asp

Any suggestions on how to remove this kind of internal retaining ring?

If you can take a picture and post it will be great so people can see what you are working on and make suggestions.

Usually see those types used as an external retainer than an inner.

Best I have come across to get them out is a seal pick. 90deg bent one is the best.
Go into the grove between the two ends and try and get the point of the pick behind one end of the clip and pry it out a bit. Depending on the size you might be able to pry it out enough to get a small screwdriver or another seal pick in behind it.

1+

 

[ScottS]

Yep those are a pain. You have to figure out which end has the slanted cut on the end and pull that with the picks. Buy a couple of sets of picks with the rubber grip handles as you will break one or three before you get the hang of it. Much patience may be required.

Scott

 

[Dustball]

Picture for reference of the type of ring the OP is working with-

To the OP- are you able to drill a small hole from the outside of the part towards the ring groove so you have an access hole where you can push the end of the snap ring towards the center of the bore?

 

[Neverfly]

I posted a link since in order to take a picture, I'll need to pull the transmission - I've scheduled that out a few days, yet.
What I have is an Automatic transmission on my TJ that is not clutching in reverse, third or forth. I believe that the front clutch pack is malfunctioning.
And from having pulled the ****** a couple weeks ago, I know that kind of retaining ring is what is used in that clutch pack (I had thought about replacing those clutches at that time but... they looked ok... yeah, yeah, I know... I couldn't get that blasted retaining ring outta there)...
Once I pull the ******, I can post all the pictures you like. And would be happy to do so.
I rebuilt the rest of the ******, overdrive unit, valve body (Replaced OEM solenoids with Borg-Warner) and adjusted both bands and the whole nine yards and the ****** was working great and shifting great- except for the one clutch pack I didn't mess with.
I. Love. My. Life.

Dustball; I think I can drill two small holes. Sheepishly, It didn't occur to me at the time I had it in front of me to drill or notch as most of my attention was on trying to remove it without damaging anything in the process. Apparently, my brain included the cheap and replaceable snap ring in with the protected goodies- nevermind that I had to replace all the seals, anyway... Color me embarrassed.
But after starting this thread, I am thinking that drilling two holes and then replacing the retaining ring is the way to go.
Wish I had a drill press, though...

The way they are slanted is just as the outer ring pictured in Dustball's post number 12.

Trying to get in behind that inset beveled edge is like trying to park a hummer in a closet.

 

[rbgearz]

I've gotten these out by using a pair of ratcheting snap ring pliers to open it up with, then use a pick or screw driver to pry it out. Occasionally have to grind a notch on the pliers to catch the ring.

 

[rharman]

I like the idea of the 90 degree pick (or two). Seems like it would be easy enough to get behind and squeeze it down.

HF has those sets of 4 for $1 - try that.

 

[CDD]

Don't know where you are planing to drill but if you plan to drill the ring I recommend a new good quality drill bit.

Good luck taking that thing out and if you can, replace it with another type if available for future repairs.

PS: Take precution when ready to pop out the ring. Protect your eyes! you don't want to end up like Ralphie

 

[Acosi151]

don't discount sharpening a round mini-pick and wedging it under the ring from the side of whatever it's retaining.. usually there is some clearance there and you can "bite" into the ring by rolling the pick over like a ladyslipper pry bar. Cleaning up all the oil with some brake cleaner helps with the bite.

Usually the instructions will call for you to replace every snap ring you touch so I don't worry about warping or scratching them.. I just make sure I've got the replacecments. But if you are going to re-use it, a magnetic pickup tool stuck to the side you aren't working on will keep it from flying across the garage to "never ever, ever going to find it again land" when it finally comes free.

 

[rbgearz]

Disregard my previous post. Wrong type of snap ring.

 

[Neverfly]

Disregard my previous post. Wrong type of snap ring.

Nah, you probably had the right kind of snap ring - the builder of the transmission had the wrong one!