How do you get the C-Clips out?

[00GT]

I'm trying to pull the axles out of my 99 EB 5.0 AWD LSD. I pulled the pinion bolt and the pin, pushed the axle in as far as it will go. I can rotate the c-clip but I can't get it to slide out. What's the trick? Do I have to get it to "open" like a retaining clip? What tool(s) should I be using?

I'm totally stuck at this point.

Thanks!!!

 

[Maniak]

Sometimes a magnet can pull it out, but I found just using a couple screw drivers so I can hit both sides of the clip at the same time knocked it out. They do NOT spread apart.

~Mark

 

[00GT]

Sometimes a magnet can pull it out, but I found just using a couple screw drivers so I can hit both sides of the clip at the same time knocked it out. They do NOT spread apart.

~Mark

I think a magnet will probably work but the problem seems to be this big roughly "S" shaped clip which is in the way of pulling the C-Clips I guess I'm suposed to pull that out first?

 

[techieman33]

yeah you have to pull that out

 

[storlied]

My buddy did my axle without pulling the S clip [the lsd thing] but a lot of people do pull it for easier access...

 

[00GT]

My buddy did my axle without pulling the S clip [the lsd thing] but a lot of people do pull it for easier access...

Does your buddy live in Houston

Am I going to be able to get it back in? And how in the world do yo get it out?

 

[techieman33]

Yeah you can get it back in if you have a pair of vice grips. It's just a really stiff spring, compress it a little with a pair of vice grips and you can get it in.

 

[BK_89iX]

You should not need to remove the S spring to get the c-clips off. That S spring can be a true SOB to get back into place. The c-clips are just held into their grooves with an oring to provide some compression. Use a strong magnet, some medical pliers, long needle-nose, etc. to get at them, pulling on the side opposite the split. For one of my axles, I pushed as opposed to pulling on the c-clip. It might take some fiddling. Also, be careful with wheel rotation with the cross pin removed, or the spiders might fall out.

BK

 

[Carguy3J]

Yeah, do NOT pull the limited slip spring. It's a real pain, to get out, and back in. ...and it's completely unnecessary. You did remove the drums, right? With the drums still installed, you will not be able to push the axles in far enough for the c-clips to come out. Once the drums are removed, push the axle in as far as you can by hand, and then give the flange a small wack with a hammer. The c-clips should just fall out on there own, at that point.