snap ring on differential output shaft?
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: San Antonio TX
snap ring on differential output shaft?
I'm in the process of replacing my left differential seal. I finally got the old seal out, but before I put the new one in I was curious about something I'm seeing on the splined output shaft. It seems like there is a snap ring or some other small piece of metal hanging down below the splines, situated in a groove on the shaft. I was wondering if this was normal or if possibly I messed up or moved something while trying to get the old seal out.
Thanks,
Jason
Thanks,
Jason
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: Belleville Mich.
Yes, it's suppose to be left in place.
If you look into the hollow spline end of the shaft, you will see the slot in it to receive the cir-clip, when slid over the differential shaft.
If you look into the hollow spline end of the shaft, you will see the slot in it to receive the cir-clip, when slid over the differential shaft.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South Western Ontario
It holds the diff end of the 1/2 shaft in place. Without it, the diff end can slide in and out on the stub. I'm not really sure it would cause problems but it could work fine or it could make the car vibrate or worst case it causes a break because it's not seated.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Gm uses a similar circlip on the outer cv joint of the axle end that goes into the hub.
That clip holds the swiveled joint to the shaft
If you ever need to chage the outer rubber boot you will become familiar, real quick.
.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South Western Ontario
Maybe you don't understand that the half shaft is not a fixed length shaft that is held in place by the suspension. The inner CV joint is built to allow the half-shaft length to change as the suspension moves. I personally don't want the shaft assembly sliding in and out of the diff as the suspension moves. It's possible it could break or cause a leak if it's driven while partially pulled out of the diff.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
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From: Charleston SC
Maybe you don't understand that the half shaft is not a fixed length shaft that is held in place by the suspension. The inner CV joint is built to allow the half-shaft length to change as the suspension moves. I personally don't want the shaft assembly sliding in and out of the diff as the suspension moves. It's possible it could break or cause a leak if it's driven while partially pulled out of the diff.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: San Antonio TX
I could be wrong, but I think this "cir-clip" is keeping me from getting the half-shaft back in the differential. I can't get it to slide onto the spline shaft more than a bit, and I think its because this clip is hanging down in the way.
If I manage to 'tighten' the circle of the clip, is that going to keep it from doing its job once the shaft is back in?
Or is there another reason I can't get the shaft to go back on?
If I manage to 'tighten' the circle of the clip, is that going to keep it from doing its job once the shaft is back in?
Or is there another reason I can't get the shaft to go back on?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Make sure to clean the shaft splines in both the shaft coming out of the diff & the hollow end of the half shaft sliding over it
Make sure there is no rust on either part.
Spray some type of light lubricant onto both mating areas, including the clip.
You shouldn't have to close the clip for the shaft to slide over it.
Have the half shaft free at the other end, and not being hooked up to anything at this point, & see if it will slide in..
Make sure there is no rust on either part.
Spray some type of light lubricant onto both mating areas, including the clip.
You shouldn't have to close the clip for the shaft to slide over it.
Have the half shaft free at the other end, and not being hooked up to anything at this point, & see if it will slide in..
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
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From: Charleston SC
I could be wrong, but I think this "cir-clip" is keeping me from getting the half-shaft back in the differential. I can't get it to slide onto the spline shaft more than a bit, and I think its because this clip is hanging down in the way.
If I manage to 'tighten' the circle of the clip, is that going to keep it from doing its job once the shaft is back in?
Or is there another reason I can't get the shaft to go back on?
If I manage to 'tighten' the circle of the clip, is that going to keep it from doing its job once the shaft is back in?
Or is there another reason I can't get the shaft to go back on?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 10
From: Charleston SC
I understand your point. However, do you really think it could come out far enough to cause any binding or damage?? Like I said, I'll keep an eye/ear on it and play around with it tomorrow to make sure there isn't much slack..
