U-Joint C-Clips Stuck

[DropTopDon]

Replacing my front axle u-joints and The C-Clips will not budge. I used a few different combinations of flathead screwdrivers and hammers with heat and nothing has worked yet. Any other tips? They are soaking in 50/50 atf/acetone penetrant at the moment.

Also, while I have the axles out how can I check if my front hubs are still in good shape?

 

[P man]

Penetrating oil is good idea let it soak. What happens if you take a socket the same size as the u joint cap and give it a rap with a good sized hammer?

 

[DropTopDon]

Penetrating oil is good idea let it soak. What happens if you take a socket the same size as the u joint cap and give it a rap with a good sized hammer?

I will try that. Are you saying to take pressure off of it? I have a hydraulic press also

 

[P man]

Nothing at all. Isn’t the purpose of the C clip to hold the u-joint in place so it can’t be removed until the C clips are removed?

Yes but sometimes when you smack it with a hammer it shocks the corrosion loose. You aren't trying to remove anything and don't go crazy

 

[DropTopDon]

Another question. I’m putting the axle shafts back in and noticed that the driver side axle doesn’t spin the driveshaft when I spin it by hand. When I spin the passenger side axle shaft though the driveshaft spins. Is this a problem?

 

[astjp2]

Punch is what I have used to knock loose the clips, sometimes the ears are bent to which can bind up the clips too

 

[DropTopDon]

Punch is what I have used to knock loose the clips, sometimes the ears are bent to which can bind up the clips too

Got the clips out with a punch.

 

[Mike_H]

Another question. I’m putting the axle shafts back in and noticed that the driver side axle doesn’t spin the driveshaft when I spin it by hand. When I spin the passenger side axle shaft though the driveshaft spins. Is this a problem?

No problem. Just the differential and the passenger side has a bit more resistance that the drivers side.

 

[g.hayduke]

Another question. I’m putting the axle shafts back in and noticed that the driver side axle doesn’t spin the driveshaft when I spin it by hand. When I spin the passenger side axle shaft though the driveshaft spins. Is this a problem?

Are both tires off the ground in this scenario?

When turning 1 front wheel, either the DS or the opposite side has to turn or something is seriously wrong.