Stub axle snap ring

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 30, 2019 | 07:29 PM

sagebrush rebel

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 229

Likes: 5

From: Sparks,Nv

Stub axle snap ring

Can you put the snap ring on the stub axle with the posi springs in place? I have a differential with one axle that the snap ring has come off. Also with side does the rounded edge go to. Thanks Don

Sep 30, 2019 | 07:47 PM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,160

Likes: 3,965

From: Connecticut, USA

yes, you need 90* snap ring pliers

Sep 30, 2019 | 07:59 PM

sagebrush rebel

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 229

Likes: 5

From: Sparks,Nv

Do you need a long reach?

Sep 30, 2019 | 08:13 PM

'75

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 6,422

Likes: 591

From: McHenry Illinois

I put snap rings on with the sharp edge holding the load, so on this, the rounded edge goes away from the center, toward the side gear.

Sep 30, 2019 | 08:21 PM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,160

Likes: 3,965

From: Connecticut, USA

No, std pliers should work. I have a fixed tip set that I had for over 40 years now.

Sep 30, 2019 | 09:21 PM

sagebrush rebel

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 229

Likes: 5

From: Sparks,Nv

Thanks to all that replied.

Oct 1, 2019 | 12:33 AM

ronarndt

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 1,765

Likes: 254

From: Catlett VA

Also, since no one mentioned it, after you install the snap ring, rotate the gear so you can see if the snap ring is completely seated all the way around in the groove in the stub axle, otherwise you will get to repeat the repair when it falls off again. You will need a good light to look thru the space between the gears and a long skinny screwdriver to tap the snap ring to make sure it is all the way seated. Thanks to DUB for this tip.

Oct 1, 2019 | 06:51 AM

GTR1999

Tech Contributor

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 15,160

Likes: 3,965

From: Connecticut, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronarndt

That is correct, a snap ring should fit in the groove and completely snap in place. You should be able to rotate it in the groove. Some of the rebuilt axles I just used had oversize ID on the groove, the snap ring gave the appearance it was in place but the ends were still spread and it wasn't moving. I had to clearance the grooves to fit the rings. This has never been the case with original GM axles,at least for the last 42 years I have worked with snap rings. When all is said and done, the ring on, posi setup correctly, there should be 005-007 endplay in the axles. I would go up to 010" but like it better in the 5-7 range.