I learned something this week

[IgotTwo]

A little heads up - cause it almost cost me a new front spinde.

I have a post out there regarding a problem with the snap rings on my 94's front spindle.
Well the short story is:
I erorred on the side of conservatism ....waited a day to get the parts..... but I bought new snap rings.

When I compared the new ones with those on the cars....I can't believe how those things every stayed on.
The old one was really spread

At a quick glance, the old one when on the spindle, looked OK and completed setted on the spindle... NOT!
The spread ends can let that thing walk right off

If you have a high mileage Exploders with a few brake jobs, its fair share of wheel bearing torques, etc

Put new "snap rings" on the spindles!

Could only get em at the dealer..Cost $3.50 each - min purchase quanity (4) ...(must be some kinda Ford Value Pack)

Everyone but me may know this?
Maybe not?

 

[Bashman]

Thanks for the heads up! I am slowly getting ready to do a brake job on her and will definately get new snap rings, something I hadn't thought of.

 

[IgotTwo]

This may be redundant cause I already "have it out there":

If the spindle (drivers side is the worst) won' show itself enough to get the ring on.....get a big screwdriver (or your choice of any other impliment of destruction) stick it in the left axle housing and pry against the u joint to push out the spindle.

I had to embarass myself and ask, cause I couldn't figure that one out. hahaha

"I have also been told" do not slop tons of grease in and around the ring....... just a light film.
I dont' write em...I just read em

Good luck

 

[Blaine122300]

Just tightened my pass. side wheel bearings this last weekend, and my snap ring was still real tight. I'm thinking I don't have to worry about it till I take it off next time.

 

[IgotTwo]

That's great
So since you know you might tear it down again, the next time you drive by Ford think about picking up a couple snap rings as a cheap insurance policy and keep em in inventory.
hahaha (I am following my own suggestion)

I always hate when I get at a point:
"Well, it looks pretty good....I'll replace em next time"
It's a hassle .....to get in the car ......order the part...make a second trip and hope they came it...la te da...."
I'm not sure if it fools me, to think I plan well when I can say "no problemo ..I got em!" more on that some other time!!!!!