Retaining ring (snap ring) style help

[MikeH]

Short question: how does one install this style snap ring?
So, I've tried to google this, but I don't know what this is called so my google-foo is off today. I can figure out at least ONE way to get these things out (screwdriver, pry out, another screwdriver pry up, keep going, pray it doesn't go through the safety glasses). What I can't figure out is how I would install one of these. I only ask because I'm buying a wheel bearing that comes without a snap ring and this style is the only option listed on rockauto. I know I can reuse the old one, I know I can go elsewhere to find a "normal" snap ring to fit. I'd like to learn how anybody who ends up with one of these installs it. Just so that I know more than I did yesterday. That's all. Help?

 

[cvairwerks]

We install by starting one end and working around to the other end. Don’t know of any special tools for them.

 

[MikeH]

We install by starting one end and working around to the other end. Don’t know of any special tools for them.

What a pain. Making installation just as tedious as removal. Thanks though, not your fault that it's a pain.

 

[AJHD]

Try these...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UHUCQM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Other brands make similar styles.

 

[dukefx]

Isn't this the kind where you use these for?

 

[Wrench97]

Nope fingers and a small screwdriver that is a internal snap ring, the pliers are for external rings.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Isn't this the kind where you use these for?

I have the Knipex version of these. They won’t work in this case as the pointed ends on the ring the OP showed are reversed.

We install by starting one end and working around to the other end. Don’t know of any special tools for them.

I’m do these the same way. Luckily this style is almost always low tension so easy to do. They are very common in the mountain bike industry in seat posts and forks.




I got a pretty full set of retaining ring pliers, even a bunch of specialty one and none will work on this style.

 

[dukefx]

Nope fingers and a small screwdriver that is a internal snap ring, the pliers are for external rings.

I see, fingers and screwdriver it is then.

 

[KnurledNut]

Spirolox has a tool to aid removal and minimize damage to critical components. I suppose it could help with installation as well.

 

[2oolhound]

Circlips and snap rings have one sharp edge and one rounded edge. Look very closely at the top surface to find which one you have facing the pressure or retaining surface. Typically the ring has force applied up against it so the sharp edge of the ring should be upward. Look closely at your ring and you will see it.

 

[Wrench97]

Spirolox has a tool to aid removal and minimize damage to critical components. I suppose it could help with installation as well.

Nope it's not a Spriolox clip it's a internal snap ring.

 

[KnurledNut]

Nope it's not a Spriolox clip it's a internal snap ring.

What do you think Spirolox makes?
The specification name is a spiral ring.
Which is exactly what the OP pictured.
Spirolox is a trade name. They make a bazillion configurations.
The equivalent to the OPs ring would be from their VH/VS series, which are single turn, available in either int or ext.
The number of turns/layers is dependent on the thrust load.
The tool works on multiple size rings.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Spirolox has a tool to aid removal and minimize damage to critical components. I suppose it could help with installation as well.

But where the hell do they sale those?

 

[BukitCase]

Retaining Ring Removal

Spirolox Retaining Rings require no custom tools for removal. Smalley Rings are supplied standard with removal notches to enable easy extraction from a groove. The notch is provided to form a small gap between the ring end and the shaft or housing, permitting a blunt object to be inserted at the...

www.smalley.com

Buying seems to be the hard part, even Amazon doesn't seem to wanna sell 'em

 

[Wrench97]

Here I'll put them side by side for you to see the difference.



Internal snap ring .... Spiral Ring

 

[KnurledNut]

But where the hell do they sale those?

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I looked on the site and could find no where to actually purchase them.

 

[Ricky Joe]

There was a special tool made for them, and I had mine in my hand less than two hours ago. I’ll post a picture tomorrow.

 

[PoorUB]

I always used a couple small screw drivers. Never had an issue. I can pop them in and out in a couple seconds.

 

[Stelzer]

Toyota Tool part 0990500012. Made specifically for this part and application.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Toyota Tool part 0990500012. Made specifically for this part and application.

Those are clearly for external snaprings not internal as the OP posted.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Those are clearly for external snaprings not internal as the OP posted.

Yup, literally called a "ring expander". We need a "ring compressor" for this application.



Put one end of the ring into the "hole", then walk it in with a flathead screwdriver. That's install.

Toyota does have an "earless" style ring for wheel bearings which actually just has ******- designed little tabs rather than being truly earless like the the OP picture. Yes, the special tool helps for those, but it won't help on the OP design.

Removal is the same as install, you need to walk out one ear with a screwdriver or prying device, then stick a wedge (another screwdriver) between the groove and walk it out.


I would recommend having a replacement. Standard snap ring removal procedures apply, you just have less meat to work with to pry against.

 

[RTM]

I just stick a hook tool under one notch, pull in a little, then pull up a little, slide hook around the device.

Putting in a little more of a pain, often takes a minute to get it started. Haven’t lost one yet, but always fear it.

Spirolox double layer on several ratchets, takes me several tries to get them in, three hands would help.

 

[clutchee]

Looks like the snap ring on end of Toyota solid axle.

 

[Stelzer]

Those are clearly for external snaprings not internal as the OP posted.

They are for internal blind snap rings, not external. They don't have the prongs on the end that attach to the holes of a snap ring

 

[Ricky Joe]

This is what I had in mind, but looks like it might not be right for you. No manufacturer name on it, but looks like a Kent-Moore part number, so maybe for a very specific application. Maybe GM transmission? I don’t remember where they came from or what I might have used it for.