Snap ring removal tips please
 

On the transmission input shaft, there is a snap ring about a quarter inch wide that holds the bearing onto the shaft. My brother held it open with a pair of needle nose pliers while I stuck a little screw driver behind it for removal. There has got to be an easier way that does not require three hands. Note: holding my tongue to the left and right out my mouth did not seem to make a difference. What say you experts?

Re: Snap ring removal tips please
 

They make reverse snap ring pliers

Re: Snap ring removal tips please
 

We tried that and broke a tip off. I think I am going to fabricate a hefty pair with more surface area for the ends.

Re: Snap ring removal tips please
 

Like this:

Re: Snap ring removal tips please
 

Yup^^^^

Re: Snap ring removal tips please
 

Those are nice ones. I'll try to find a pair

Re: Snap ring removal tips please
 

I took a piece of tubing that was slightly larger than the shaft but smaller than the ring and pressed it on while spreading the opening with a LARGE flat blade screwdriver. I to had a heck of a time with it until I tried what I just described and it dang near fell on.

If you don't have a press handy, have a friend's help either the screwdriver work or pushing down. Also, instead of a tube anything firm with a hole the correct size will work.

Regards
Bill

Re: Snap ring removal tips please
 

The C-shape retainer was not one of Henry's best ideas. Unless you have the proper snap ring pliers it is easy to distort the retainer using screw drivers. I have taken a number of transmissions apart and found the C-shape retainer adrift on the shaft because it had been distorted out of shape and came out of the groove.

This must have been discovered early on by repair shops as many were replaced years ago with a round collar and snap ring that fits into the groove. About half the transmissions I have overhauled had this arrangement installed. Most of the suppliers sell the two piece assembly. When I rebuild a transmission I discard Henry's C-shape retainer and install the two-piece arrangement. The only negative is that they are somewhat difficult to remove.

Tom Endy

Re: Snap ring removal tips please