Halfshaft C clip woes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Codifex Maximus · #1 07-13-2013, 04:11 AM

I'm having a devil of a time getting these C clips back in. Is there a special MB tool for this task?

ah-kay · #2 07-13-2013, 04:24 AM

Is it the same axle or a new axle? When I did mine with a new axle on a W123, somehow the axle cannot be pushed all the way in. It is off a very tiny bit, n/1000 of inches off. Probably was not engineered to be exact spec. I filed the C clip a little bit to make it thinner before I could put it back on. If it is the old axle then you should not have any problem - I did it on a W126.

SD300 · #3 07-13-2013, 04:45 AM

my CV boot cracked, i lucked out and thank God I found Dorman has split boot,
I bought 1 at local canadian tire #614-434 it fits into my w126 I did have to cut the wide rung 1 rung I can't remember too clearly now.
I think if u measure the diameter of the wide part u maybe able to fit 614-474 or 614-531 these are universal fitting ones,
the 614-434 did fitted mines had been driving her for 2-3 wks now no clangy noise.
It was pretty loud on the first day the grease got spun out.
I did used duct tape and added some grease inside it lasted 2 mths, now just kept my finger crossed hope it can last for a while. Since I am too lazy to pull the half shaft out by dropping the rear end.
good luck & God bless

Codifex Maximus · #4 07-13-2013, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ah-kay

Is it the same axle or a new axle? When I did mine with a new axle on a W123, somehow the axle cannot be pushed all the way in. It is off a very tiny bit, n/1000 of inches off. Probably was not engineered to be exact spec. I filed the C clip a little bit to make it thinner before I could put it back on. If it is the old axle then you should not have any problem - I did it on a W126.

Yeah, I got out the Dremmel and spun off a very tiny amout of the C clip. Hoping this will make it easier to get on.

Different halfshaft. I'm wondering if I didn't miss a shim somewhere on the outside. May have to take it back out and check.

Seems like a tool could be worked up to get a good grip on the C clip for removal and insertion maybe with a hammer able spot on it. I did make a removal tool out of an old tool steel screwdriver; got it to medium temper so it would be strong and it works real good.

Maybe I'm just dreaming...

t walgamuth · #5 07-13-2013, 08:37 AM

There are special circlip plyers that allow you to expand or contract a large circlip. they can be removed by other means but it is hit and miss on getting one out.

Diesel911 · #6 07-13-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Codifex Maximus

I'm having a devil of a time getting these C clips back in. Is there a special MB tool for this task?

You did not say if your Axles had Spacers that go between the Axles and the Differential or not.
If you have Spacers and you cannot get the C-clip back onto the shaft and it is due to there not being enough of the C-clip groove showing you need to get a thinner Spacer.
Another method is to take the old thick Spacer to a Machine Shop and grind it down to size. Stretch can give you instructions on how to measure for that.

If you bought an Asian made Replacement Axle the machined radius on some of them does not allow the Spacer to sit flush against the fat part around the Axle Shaft and the OD needs to be opened up.

The Manual has that the C-clip is supposed to go in without trouble but there is not supposed to be any in and out play on the Axle and the Spacers are supposed to adjust that.
DIY Repair Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=82
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf

charmalu · #7 07-13-2013, 11:58 AM

Those "C" Clips can be a PITA to R&R. I just pulled 2 axles last week in PNP, and reconfirmed my thoughts on the PITA job it is.

I bought a pick tool at O`Rileys that has an aluminum handle, with a steel "J" hook on one end and a squiggly one on the other end. thought the hook should catch the "C" clip and jerk it out. clamped a Vice Grip to the handle and jerked on it. the damed hook is just press fit to the aluminum and came out.

Gotta be careful or he other end will poke you....don`t ask.

Now I clamp the VG to the hook part (Its about 3" long) and pull. If it had some slack, like say a piece of wire in the clip hole, then when I give it a jerk seems like it would come out easier.

Some type of small Slide Hammer type of tool would work.
On E-Bay they sell a Slide Hammer tool that screws into a VG.

Slide Hammer Vise Grip Puller Made for Snap on Size SM with Free Vise Grips | eBay

Charlie

ah-kay · #8 07-13-2013, 12:59 PM

I think removal of C clip, hard and otherwise, is overblown. I was in a JY once with NO tool but I managed to get them out. I threaded of copper wire thru the hole, twisted it a few times then used a plier to pull on the wire. It came right out.

Putting it back on is just as easy if it is aligned right. There is no tolerance on the slot against the diff, if it is off then you may need to find out why and act accordingly.

Brian Carlton · #9 07-13-2013, 01:10 PM

To remove the C-clip:

Get a pair of neddlenose vice grips and grip the clip. Pull with some force.

To install the C-clip:

Set the clip in position where it will go no further. Get a 1/4" drift and set it against the top protruded portion of the clip. Keep the tool perpindicular to the axle.

Hit once with decent sized hammer.

Done.

Stretch · #10 07-13-2013, 06:14 PM

I use these

rscurtis · #11 07-13-2013, 09:23 PM

Another thing to keep in mind is that the original spacers can stay with the differential side gear; there is no guarantee that it comes out with the axle.

Jeremy5848 · #12 07-13-2013, 10:41 PM

The spacers adjust the axle to the differential; if you have the wrong spacer, the fit will be too tight or too loose. To install the c-clip, I too used a hammer and drift.

Jeremy

Codifex Maximus · #13 07-14-2013, 01:18 AM

Thanks guys for the feedback.

I *think* I have alignment issues in regards to the slot the C clip goes in. Not to mention my eyes are getting blurry these days.

Charlie you never cease to amaze me with your industriousness. Army you are always practical. Ah-Kay - good advice.

I never really had any trouble getting the clips out (I made my own tool from an old tool steel screwdriver - tempered it and all. Works great.) My problem is getting them back in. I think the alignment and spacing/shimming of the shaft as mentioned is my real problem.

Once again, thanks all for the great feedback. Hopefully, by Monday next, I'll have the wagon back on the road.

Codifex Maximus · #14 07-15-2013, 01:50 AM

Okay, the problem was a shim that I didn't remove from the old donor car preventing the C clip to line up in the slot in the shaft.

Removed the shim, reinserted the shaft, C clip went in easy. Wagon is back on the road without all that grinding noise.

Thanks all for your excellent advice!