Ok, I bought 2 different snap-ring pliers & modified a 90 degree needle nose plier & 3 hours later I still can't get it out. Actually none of the tools will allow me to get the nose into both ring holes at the same time. What is the secret or name brand tool I need? I'm about ready to tow this to my mechanic to give him a chuckle as he whips it out in no time flat. Arrgh!! Plse enlighten me.

 

Sorry I can't help much, but this is a topic of common frustration. There was once a HUGE thread titled something like #$%^$! Snap Ring pliers! Good luck, it's a bitch.

 

i used this one tool that was pretty much some pliers with 2 little picks on the end that fit right in the holes. I took the ring out and put it in like 10 times within 2 minutes with no problems.

i dontknwo what the tool is actually for but it worked good for that.

 

Aa mechanic at Vertex once said that on really difficult snap rings, he would work a piece of wire into one of the holes and then just pull (deform) the ring out with his eyes closed for protection. I tried that once and it worked, but I'm not sure that is easier than working at it with snap ring plyers. Try rotating it to get a better angle at it. Try getting a set of cheap picks, and notching the ends with a dremel to see if you can hook one side. The last time I did it, after an hour of frustration, I used the cheap Craftsman univeral snap-ring pylers and it came right out. I am aware of no secret weapon on these things, except removing the pump.

 

Hey Wes - before you tow it, can I come over and give it a try?

 

I assume the waterpump is in the car?

Are you doing this from below or above?

I did mine just a little while ago, but the waterpump was out of the car. I used the universal craftsman snap-ring pliers.

 

Lol, in B.C. eh? I'm tempted to mail you my pliers.
Did the trick for me, got them for $3.99 at Princess Auto =)
The correct tool is 45* internal snap ring pliers, or as I like to call them, infernal snap ring pliers...
Sorry.

Anyhoo, I found a pair of 60* pliers will work as well. They make pliers with changable tips. I did not get a chance to try any to see if they are strong enough, but I bet they would work.

The first few times I took it out, I had a set of 'Team Mechanix' snap ring pliers from Partsource, the 4 pack of them, and I used their 90* pair, bent it to about 45*, and it took the ring out, and put it back in twice before the entire arm snapped off one. Good thing they have a life time warranty.

If you are looking through a store, see if you can find some 75 or 60* pliers with a fairly long nose on them, this will help as well.

Hope some of that us of use!

 

I went with the deform the ring technique, after trying 2 different sets of snap-ring pliers, and destroying a set of needle nose in an attempt to make them work.
-Jon

 

I'll second the pliers from Princess Auto. And stay away from those that have interchangable tips, one piece design is more robust.

 

put a pic through one hole and pull towards the center. Once the snap ring is partially off the grove, work the pic around and the ring will come off. Carefull, it might fly.

Greg

 

Wes, i'm pretty sure my dad has some snap ring pliers in our workshop that would do the job if yours doesn't. If not there are other ways to take it out.

 

Lisle GM Snap Ring tool.

Sam

 

That could be.
The set I have is so flimsy I was sure it would break, but they worked perfectly.
They are exactly long enough to reach it just right.
If you have a princess auto near-by, I could take a pic of mine, so you know exactly what to look for.

 

i know you guys are probably done with the problem but, when i had to change mine out........oh my! i took a little bit of the front off: steering reservoir, and something......cant think of it. but i had a small mirror that i taped to the "frame rail" and i worked at it for 4 hours 2 different days. i put it back together and took it to a mechanic who had my car for 4 days while i rode a bike to work. he couldnt get it so he didnt charge me. finally my friends dad asked if i got my car done yet? he used to be a mechanic so he has some weird tools. used to specialize in rebuiling carbs. he had a pick called a cotter pin extracter that looked like a pick that was bent in 2 different places. after fiddling with snap ring pliars for 2 hours, he got that pick out and had the ring out in minutes. i would guess snap on would have it..........would probably help during rear bearing time too. i forgat to add that something so common to change.........well, on american v8 cars they are right in the front.

 

It helps to have the oil filter out, gives you a better view from the top.
Removing the rad fans gives you a little more room to work, but with the right pliers, it will just pull right out, no problem.