How to Remove the Axle C-Clips

[chilly_75]

Has anyone successfully removed the c-clips from the 69-70 rear axle without having the Opel tool? I'm out of ideas. Tough little buggers!

[markandson]

Originally Posted by chilly_75 Has anyone successfully removed the c-clips from the 69-70 rear axle without having the Opel tool? I'm out of ideas. Tough little buggers!

I don't remember how I did it, but I had no problem getting them off, it was years ago. They are standard "E" rings so if you stick a small screwdriver in one of the open holes it should pop right off. If it is not accessible to a screwdriver you could also grab the closed side with a small pair of vise grips and just pull it off.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by chilly_75 Has anyone successfully removed the c-clips from the 69-70 rear axle without having the Opel tool? I'm out of ideas. Tough little buggers!

A good pair of snap ring pliers should do the trick! Cheap or light weight ones don't work very well.

Harold

[markandson]

Originally Posted by hrcollinsjr A good pair of snap ring pliers should do the trick! Cheap or light weight ones don't work very well. Harold

I told you it had been a long time since I did it, I do believe Harold is correct, so it is not an "E" ring at all it is an external snap ring with 2 small holes for the snap ring pliers.

[tomking]

small screwdriver or small magnet did it for me. You have to FIRST push the axle in.

[hrcollinsjr]

Originally Posted by tomking small screwdriver or small magnet did it for me. You have to FIRST push the axle in.

Had a retaining clip get sprung at the racetrack when the axle came out. Never did get that axle to stay in again with the same clip. I even squeezed the clip down or at least tried to before reinstalling. We almost made 1 green flag lap. They tossed the axle in the back of the GT and the driver drove to the pits on one rear wheel. Long trip to Bowling Green and even longer trip back home.

Harold