snap ring alternative

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michaelshin

michaelshin

10 Year
Joined
May 27, 2012
Threads
14
Messages
133
Location
Northern california
As I am having a usual trouble removing the rings on my 04LC, I noticed that other IFS such as a newer 4runner has a bolt/washer setup.
Anyone considered retrofitting to that set up or am I completely off my base to even consider that route?
 
What snap ring? Where?
Are we talking C-clip?
 
Haven't heard of any problems other than using the wrong tools. C-clip plyer works. Even those normal pin-tip c-ring plyers work with a bit of support.
For putting them back on, the center hole is threaded so you can use a bolt to pull the shaft out - if that's the problem.
 
IMO the single biggest problems with the circlip/snap rings: Not treating it as a one-time-use part per Toyota's recommendation and over stretching it on install. Other than that they work perfectly.

To add: They're relatively inexpensive and always good to have at least a pair of each thickness on hand before doing any teardown.
 
I typically have a pair of the size that's currently on the rig and then a pair of each .2mm thicker and .2mm thinner. I also, due to some of the remote locations we travel, carry a couple of each in the rig with me along with an extra CV assembly on the longer/more remote trips.

I think they're a couple bucks each but it has been a couple years since I stocked up.
 
Ordered the right tool. But back to the original question of the 4runner setup.
Anyone seen the bolt/washer at the end of the outer axle where we have the 8mm bolt fitting and can that work instead of the lock ring?
I saw it on a 99 4runner.
 
The 99 runner is a pressed together sealed unit bearing design. It's quite a bit different from the LC100 design. Be glad you're working on the LC, you can do a complete bearing R&R with basic hand tools. The 4runner bearings you refer to are non rebuildable, and non-greasable. The 4-runner also requires a huge press to remove the bearings for replacement and sometimes it is easier to replace the whole upright than to change the bearings even IF you have a 50 ton press.

I'll take the snap rings any day of the week. Piece of cake with the correct tools (also portable and cheap tools you can take anywhere)after some practice.

Think of the LC design as user serviceable and the 4-runner design as disposable. I dread the day my Tacoma eats a front bearing but service the LC fronts every year or so and enjoy it.
 
I would guess no. The ring keeps the shaft in tight, proper gear engagement, and a proper seal on the inner/opposite side of the hub. There are 6 different snap ring thicknesses to accomplish this based on needs. plenty of post about damage caused when snap ring came off. By the time you figure out a way to accomplish what you are trying, the snap ring would have been a lot easier.
 
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