Tips on removing visually inaccessable external snap ring

Trails End · Jun 10, 2015

I'm in the process of installing the control linkeages for engaging
and disengaging the mid pto, which involves moving the spacer
shown in photo #2 from it's present location to the end where the
snap ring is. Apparently, when the dealer installed the single
rear hydraulic auxilliary kit, they opted to install the spacer
in it's present location, instead of where Bobcat intended it to
go. The Bobcat rear auxilliary kits (single or double) utilize the
same shaft, adding the spacer when only the single auxilliary
kit is installed. If the spacer had been installed just behind the
snap ring, as depicted in the Bobcat instructions, I wouldn't have
to remove the shaft at all. Photo #1 shows the area where the
rear auxilliary control is. Photo #2 shows the spacer and the location
of the snap ring that must be removed to relocate the spacer.
The head of the shaft has to be against the bracket to make room
for the shaft extension for the mid pto control lever. Photo #3
shows the snap ring as viewed from the rear of the tractor (more
than an arm's length away).

I haven't been able to get a grip on the snap ring using the
snap ring pliers, since I can't see the hole locations of the
pin holes in the snap ring. I even tried using a mirror but
my hand-eye coordination just wasn't good enough to make
that work. By the way, the tractor is a Bobcat CT335 HST.:banghead::banghead:

Any tips or suggestions on how to approach this problem?
The only access I seem to have is from the top as shown
in Photo #1. The retaining ring pliers have the 90 degree
.047 dia. pins.

Sodo · Jun 10, 2015

Is that a "nut" that can unscrew?

Couple ideas requiring destruction of replaceable parts

1) Pry up the ring then with pliers tear it off, replace with a new one.
2) Cut/grind the plastic spacer off then you may have better access to snap ring.

bumperm · Jun 11, 2015

If the n 90 degree snap ring pliers tips are too long to fit well, and depending on their design, grind the tips shorter - go gently, dipping in water to cool as needed to avoid de-tempering (okay, annealing) the tips. This may give you more room to get the tips in there squarely. You should be able to get the tips positioned by feel. Try holding the pliers as normal but reaching in with your other hand (if there's room) to aid in positioning the tips as well as holding them fully engaged in the holes.

If that doesn't work, you might also purchase a cheapo pair of snap ring pliers and heat and bend as needed to suit. Generally speaking, the pliers with replaceable tips are not as ergonomic and don't "fit in" as well as those with fixed tips . . . at least that's been my experience, though I have both types.

If that don't work, there's few problems in life that cannot be mitigated with good explosives.

MossRoad · Jun 11, 2015

I hate snap rings (mostly, I hate snap ring pliers).

So the wide gray spacer in photo #2 is supposed to be to the right of the black linkage in photo #3? And that nut should be up against the white mounting bracket? And then you can put your mid PTO linkage into that hole in the nut on the end of the shaft? Makes you wonder how they ever expected to service that? Probably something simple. Have you asked the dealer how to get the snap ring out?

Can you get a mirror in there and get one pin of the pliers into it? You may be able to rotate the ring around to where you can mark the location of one of the pin holes, then guestimate the location of the other to get the 2nd pin from your pliers in there. I'd remove that gold linkage for better access, too, maybe. Good luck. :thumbsup:

Mace Canute · Jun 11, 2015

Are you positive it's a snap ring like this

and not like this?

If it's the latter you have to use a flat faced snap ring pliers like this

Even if it is the two hole type of snap ring it might be possible to use a flat faced snap ring pliers to open it up if you can't get the tips on a regular snap ring pliers into the holes

MossRoad · Jun 11, 2015

Yeah, I was thinking inside snap ring. :mur: Like this... probably not on a shaft.

Egon · Jun 11, 2015

Will it help if some parts that are in the way get taken off.

tcartwri · Jun 11, 2015

Put a wrench on the nut to keep the shaft from spinning. Use an o ring pic to dig out one leg of the clip. Once started slip a flat head screw driver under the clip and walk it out.

k0ua · Jun 11, 2015

Here is the procedure, and if you look carefully you can see the outside conventional snap ring. They suggest you remove the right rear tire and the fender to get to it. Here is the picture and the procedure.