How to remove the "S" clip from an 8.5?

[87Aero]

I have to replace an axle. How do I get the "S" clip out?

Edit: I didn't word that right...... What I meant to say is it looks like after the cross shaft is out, I could just push the axle in and pull the "C" clips out with a magnet. Then the "S" clip/spring will come out.
Is it that simple??


Thanks!

 

[t5montecarlo]

You don't need to remove the S spring to remove the axle. Once the c-clip is removed, there is nothing holding the axle in.

The S spring will need to be tapped out, but don't do it unless you want to remove the whole carrier.

 

[87Aero]

The S spring will need to be tapped out, but don't do it unless you want to remove the whole carrier.

I was wondering why the carrier would have to be removed if the "S" spring is removed. I looked at the diff, and I can't figure it out. Does it have to do with the clutches or something??

Forgive my ignorance, but curiosity has got the best of me. :-k

 

[t5montecarlo]

I have only disassembled/reassembled them on a bench. It may be possible in the car, but perhaps not very easy.

Once the S spring is taken out, there is nothing holding the spider gears in and they may want to fall out and then the clutch packs will want to fall out. If you can keep the spider gears in place, you may be OK.

In the shop manual, there is reference to using a C clamp to compress the clutch pack in order to get the spring in after replacing new clutch packs, and then using a hammer to tap in the S spring, but I have been able to just tap them in when using original used clutch packs.

There may be other opinions and experiences.

 

[jdleal]

I'm going through the same thing I need to put in my new Moser Axels but the darn S Spring is in the way of taking off the c clips. Any tips/trciks out there, help us out.

 

[87Aero]

It had been a while since I'd been in a rear end when I stared this thread ( Don't even go there) :lol: . Since then it has come back to me. You don't have to remove the "S" clip to get the "C" clips out. Just push your axles in, one at a time, and the "C" clips will fall out. You can catch them with a magnet, if you want. I had my rear out and on a pair of jack stands. Buy new bearings and seals if you haven't already, and look at your pinion shaft (cross shaft). If it is "marred" enough that you can feel it, replace it. It is about $50 at the dealer, or $28 from GM Parts Direct. You should replace the lock bolt too. For $3 it's cheap insurance.

Here are the part numbers:

Pinion shaft: 26056109
Lock Bolt: 25872305
"C" clip: 3833322

The bearing is a 5707. You can get them for $17 a O'reillys. The "National" brand is made by Federal Mogul/Moog (BCA 5707).

If you ask for the "house" brand, it is the same bearing (at least it is at my O'reilys). I mean exactly the same, just packaged differently for $13.

http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=91574

I have a real nice set of new in the package Moser bearings and seals if you want them.
(Read my post above) ](*,)

Hope this helps,
Scott

 

[t5montecarlo]

Indeed.

The S spring is not in the say, the cross shaft is in the way. Once the cross shaft is removed the axles will push in and the clips will fall out.

Marc

 

[jdleal]

Thanks for the help. BUT I got both c-clips out about 2 hrs ago. what was happening was that the axles needed to be pryed a lil bit with a small screwdriver so that the c-clip could compltely clear the s-spring. Just pushing in the axles as far as they would go was not good enough. Once I pryed them over some I got a magnet and drew the c-clip closer to me, once it went as far as it would, I then got my set of craftman mechanic picks and I used the u shaped one to grab ahold of the c-clip and pulled it out as hard as I could the pass. side was easier than the driver side. hard part is over I hope. I had to stop working on this cuz the rain came in. Tomorrow I will pull the stock axles out and install the Moser, and Moser alum. cover.

Sorry I did not intend on high jacking this thread. I hope what I did can help out others in the same rut.
Thanks
JD