2d gen halfshaft removal

[mrd]

The halfshaft removal procedure listed in the factory service manual and in Jefe's thread here http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53863&highlight=differential+seal says to simply pry the inboard end of the shaft from the differential housing (the Ford manual actually says to use a CV Joint Puller T86P-3514-A1).

It is my understanding there is a retainer circlip at this end of the shaft. Is there a danger of the circlip breaking off inside of the housing, and causing problems later on when in operation? I found one thread (lost the link) where the poster said to remove the housing cover, remove the case, push the shaft in, and remove the circlip from the inside. This sounds safer but more of a pain. What do ya'll think?

 

[Turdle]

the clip should stay on when you pull it out. It is more of a snap lock.
I have a new shaft in my garage, with a new clip on it, the clip looks like a fiberglass type material.

 

[Jefe]

I found one thread (lost the link) where the poster said to remove the housing cover, remove the case, push the shaft in, and remove the circlip from the inside. This sounds safer but more of a pain. What do ya'll think?

That sounds like the instructions for the c-clip REAR axle to me.

I never had a problem with the circlip not coming out on a half-axle, and I replaced my fair share.

 

[gijoecam]

That sounds like the instructions for the c-clip REAR axle to me.

I never had a problem with the circlip not coming out on a half-axle, and I replaced my fair share.

Indeed, that's for C-clip rear axles... there is a REMOTE chance that the circlip could stay in the axle housing, but if everything was built to spec, there should be enough of a lead-in that the circlip compresses itself into the spline and slips out with the shaft. It's rare that they don't.

If, for some reason, it stayed behind, you can always get it out with a screwdriver.... it's no big deal.

And the only advantage I see to using the "official" tool is that it lets you attach a slide hammer to it to POP that shaft out.... Sometimes you can pull on them until you're blue in the face and it won't budge, but one sharp whack with a mallet and it pops out smooth as butter.


-Joe