Snap ring pliers (wheel bearings)

[2ndGearRubber]

I've had a run of very seized snap rings on press-in wheel bearings. Yes, sometimes I accept that burning them out is the only option.

That said, I want to make sure my snap ring plier setup is the best it can be so I can minimize destroying them.


I currently use the LANG (and others) 12 piece set ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB6TG/?tag=atomicindus08-20 ) and a similar astro set.

Issue being, the size of the snap rings versus tip diameter. Often I can only use a .070 tip as that is all that will fit, but there is no way a set of .070 pliers could ever spread that wide.

This style seems to be the worst offender, as to requiring tiny tips. And thus having zero leverage.

I considered buying a beefy set of 18' Proto snap ring pliers, but with tip sizes listed at .103 and .110, they would be useless in my applications. Price is not a major consideration if the product can eliminate my headache/annoyances.

 

[Mr_B]

I never use pliers remove them.
I shake them loose with air hammer and have 2 screwdrivers modded to pointed tips to to lift them out if air hammer didn't .
You also better buying bigger clip pliers and grind tips down to suit .
I do fair few wheel bearings a week and methods above saves me lots of time and tooling hassle .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I normally airhammer them, then walk them out. Was hoping there was a better way.

 

[Tallpilot]

https://store.snapon.com/Fixed-Tip-...p-Convertible-0-070-tips-7-7-16--P636947.aspx

These open to 2". Are you tapping on the ring with a punch first to get it spinning freely in the groove?

 

[Mr_B]

I normally airhammer them, then walk them out. Was hoping there was a better way.

If they pretty crust free then custom pliers or good pliers can make it pretty quick once rotated in groove with air hammer or punch.
I find it so quick walk them out hardly ever use pliers except when clips visually show it likely be easy option .
I don't bust many tools but circlip pliers one that I done a few, even truck brands a few times and not over abusing them either .

 

[anndel]

I've used the Lang set on several Hondas and Toyotas. This is the worse of the 2 brands:

 

[Tallpilot]

I've used the Lang set on several Hondas and Toyotas. This is the worse of the 2 brands:

Try these on those bastards without holes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00209ETSS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mr_B]

We done some euro cars with no hole and no notch, some of these manufacturers are plain stupid or stingy with fitting styles they use but mainly both probably

 

[Shadowdog500]

I never use pliers remove them.
I shake them loose with air hammer and have 2 screwdrivers modded to pointed tips to to lift them out if air hammer didn't .
You also better buying bigger clip pliers and grind tips down to suit .
I do fair few wheel bearings a week and methods above saves me lots of time and tooling hassle .

+1! I do have a set of large retainer pliers that I use on some cars, and a special Toyota retainer pliers for my Toyota. On others I pry them out with an awl. The position of the holes on those retainer clips look like they would be best to pry them out with an awl.

No matter what tool you use it wont come out easy if it is rusted in place. If it is rusted in place hit it with some Kroil followed with some taps around the retainer clip to help free it up.

Chris

 

[anndel]

Try these on those bastards without holes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00209ETSS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks got it in my cart for my next wheel bearing job next week.

 

[jsaw]

Thanks got it in my cart for my next wheel bearing job next week.

Isn't that pair used to spread apart outside rings?

 

[anndel]

Isn't that pair used to spread apart outside rings?

Sorry wrong part. This is what I have in my cart. Hope it works.

 

[Chaos82]

Another trick you can use, especially with the seized ones, if to use a press and press down on the snap ring. Essentially pressing the bearing back into the knuckle. Sometimes during disassembly, removing the bearing hub spindle will press the bearing into the back face of the snap ring. Releasing this pressure will make it much easier to remove the snap ring.

And to second what others have said is a screwdriver. If you can get one side of the snap ring out, use one screwdriver as a place holder to make sure it doesn't snap back into the hole, and use the second to slowly work around the diameter like a paint can and it will come out.

Watch out too when pulling these out I have shot them across the room when something releases when you aren't expecting it.

 

[rlitman]

...And to second what others have said is a screwdriver. If you can get one side of the snap ring out, use one screwdriver as a place holder to make sure it doesn't snap back into the hole, and use the second to slowly work around the diameter like a paint can and it will come out...

Yep, two 1/8" tip slotted screwdrivers. I also use a scratch awl or hooked pick to get under it if I can't get the screwdriver started.