Real Time Help - can't fit snap ring after bearing repack

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Got my new axle in along with new hub flange and gasket. The splines are not sticking through enough where I can see the full ridge. I tried sticking a small bolt in and prying but I'm getting no where.

Can I put the truck down on the ground and drive a little too see if it settles in?

Not sure what else to try now.

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You don't have to see the full groove. The groove in the axle is wider than the ring to enable use of thicker rings as the bushing wears out. If you are sure that your new axle it is fully seated, you may just need a thinner ring. They come in a variety of thicknesses.

To ensure ensure the axle is fully seated, you can use 2001LC's method with a puller
Front Bearing Replacement

Or make your own like this:
Front Bearing Replacement
 
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chudly said:
Don't have access to a puller right now.
Ok I was under the impression that the entire groove was supposed to be visible
Click to expand...

If you are sure the axle is seated, you can check with the outside of the ring if it will go in. Install it and measure the gap with a feeler gauge.

If gap is less than 0.2mm, then you are good to go. If it is larger, get the appropriate size such that the gap is <0.2mm.
 
Reviving this thread
I’m deep into this job, everything was going well until I noticed I can’t get the groove past the flange.

This whole thing is complicated by the fact that years ago the threads to the end of the axle were stripped and I can’t use it to pull the axle out. Not that I would think it would help anyway it looks deep into the flange like something is not fitting correctly?

I’m sure the races are seated at their base. The oil seal is flush the inner hub as well.

Anything help is appreciated. It’s midnight here I may call it a night and just see what I can do tomorrow morning

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Update:
I’m not very smart
I think I may have added too much grease using the slee tool into the spindle. I have been burping it by moving the axle in and out. And now I am just passed the outer groove lip. Can’t seem to get any more out though. I wonder if I need to clean some grease off the inner knuckle end?

I hope this helps someone in the future. Really dumb mistake
 
I have a bit less than half the groove now showing. I cleaned the back of the knuckle and burped grease out by pushing in and out. I think everything is ok on that end.

But I still can’t enough room to fit the smallest snap ring.

The other side will fit just fine.

Is there something in the hub assembly that is hanging things up? I can’t use the cv puller here but wish I could. Threads are stripped and there is part of the old bolt still inside

IMG_2803.webp
 
UZJ100LC said:
I have a bit less than half the groove now showing. I cleaned the back of the knuckle and burped grease out by pushing in and out. I think everything is ok on that end.

But I still can’t enough room to fit the smallest snap ring.

The other side will fit just fine.

Is there something in the hub assembly that is hanging things up? I can’t use the cv puller here but wish I could. Threads are stripped and there is part of the old bolt still inside

View attachment 3656254
Click to expand...
I also had a hard time doing this after I rebuilt the entire front axle on both sides. Everything brand new OEM, axles, seals, new grease, etc. I assumed the fresh grease was preventing me from pulling the axle out by hand enough to get the c clip/snap ring in.

Ultimately the only way I got it done was with a DIY puller using the bolt hole in the end of the axle. Here's a link to what I did >>.

Since you said your threads are stripped, if it were me I'd drill and tap new threads in the end of the axle and try the puller method like I linked above.
If this didn't work, I was going to have to recruit another person to pull the axle out by hand while I got the snap ring on. I needed 4 arms to pull the axle and get the clip on.

I'm sure the frustration is off the charts for you, but it's doable. Hope this helps!
 
skshepherd said:
Im in the middle of my first time doing this and I cant even get the dang cone washers off, wish I could help.
Click to expand...
I bought a brass hammer for this, makes quick and easy work without screwing up the threads. Use the nuts to protect the threads and you're good to go.
 
chudly said:
Don't have access to a puller right now.

Ok I was under the impression that the entire groove was supposed to be visible
Click to expand...

No, not necessarily. You just need the full set of snap rings to find the one that fits whatever gap you end up with. It's not an exact science by any stretch.
 
You really need to pull on the axle, so I would drill and tap as mentioned above. Anything else and you’ll end up with a loose snap ring as it settles in.
 
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