Drive shaft inner circlips - replacement

[AndyPen]

I think we can take it as read that new circlips will going going on the cv side of the shafts, but now it is cleaned up there are some dents on the inner circlip which I guess I should replace? BTW it isn't at all bad and looks strong enough, but managed to get its worse side in the photo. Surmise it is just a good idea to change it whilst it is easy to do

Minispares were out of stock but Somerford had one thankfully (on the wire by the side), but before I go breaking a finger nail, any tips on changing them folks?

marked-circlip.jpg

[Aussie Bill B]

You'll need pretty strong finger nails.
These work: Knipex 45 10 170

45101704k.jpg

[Peter Laidler]

I often wondered how they replaced the buggers too! Having said that, the inner circlip is only a stop-face after all - albeit a bit of a knocked about stop face in your case. Personally, I'd leave it on there, file the expanded chunks off and re-use it Andy. It's the OUTER one that was causing you grief after all.

[AndyPen]

Just been looking at the sit of the star chunks I cut off and it all looks good. I am guessing that someone tried to hammer them off in the past Peter, and hit the washer in the process. The outer face where it sits against the joint's inner star is fine, just the back end a bit bruised.

[Peter Laidler]

Exactly Andy. If the OUTER face is fine then the circlip is doing its job as a stop-face. And it ain't goin' nowhere is it?

The reason I try to continue to use parts is that in the last many years of my engineering life I saw the next generation as not fixers but replacers. But there we go..........

[Herbert]

More to the point, you cant buy the little buggers anymore. I had a few made, but the steel wasnt as strong. When fitting, take care, they just break if stretched too much.

[AndyPen]

I think that confirms it for me - these new ones could be the same quality as certain rubber items I’ve purchased!!