GQ Swivel Hubs , Wheel Bearings and that dam Snap Ring

[Dicko1980]

I've have just done the swivel hub and wheel bearings on my Coil Cab and had a extremely difficult time trying to fit the snap ring on the ends of the axle over the drive clutches. I tried everything possible and to no avail. I pulled down both sides repeatedly and put back together and still made no difference. I read all the posts looking for advice and tried everything suggested but still no results, and am suspicious that it could be the aftermarket bearings. But they were quality Koyo ones and the swivel hub kit was Maxi Trac. In the end I had to machine 2mm off the drive clutches to fit the snap rings on, time was against me as I had being doing this for three days and I needed the car back for work. This resulted in a tight fit. I went for a drive after putting it back together and there were no problems, so my question is will this affect anything in the future?

[fnqcairns]

Probably not the bearings IMO it's just a PITA sometimes on the GQ.
The MQ had a threaded end that a bolt could be inserted into for leverage.
On the GQ (no threaded centre ...whats with that!!) I wedge a screwdriver into the recess and lever against the clutch cover but it is a 2 man job one to lever and one to circlip.

I think I would replace the covers if it were me, after some time to run in and evacuate some grease it should show more clearance....I guess?.

cheers fnq

[Rhysta]

Tke your time with to flat heads. I didnt find it to hard. Just go easy and dont let it pop off

[GQ Bear]

Tke your time with to flat heads. I didnt find it to hard. Just go easy and dont let it pop off

ditto

.......and watch you fingers, i reckon i'm gonna be wearing one those screwdrivers one day!

[InSanE]

just go and get a cheep pair of circlip pliers from supercheap i did my wheelbearings last weekend on my GQ and it took me 2 sec's to get the circlip back on

[marin]

just go and get a cheep pair of circlip pliers from supercheap i did my wheelbearings last weekend on my GQ and it took me 2 sec's to get the circlip back on

agreed, ive never had problems to that extent with the outer clip, i went and bought a set of the ones with the changeable tips the first time i did my wheel bearings, cost about $25 i think, and they are fine for the light use i give them. I think the only reason i have slight problems is the slightly different thickness of putting the GU lock rings on instead of the bloody GQ knock over washer, so its a fraction tighter to get the clip on.

marin

[mav]

don't waist your time with those c clip pliers where you change the tips get some decent ones with hardened tips its much easier and they last forever

[marin]

don't waist your time with those c clip pliers where you change the tips get some decent ones with hardened tips its much easier and they last forever

i agree entirely that they are not high quality, but for somebody who is only doing odd light duty jobs with them, having the flexibilty of right angle, straight, 45 degree, inside and outside all for only approx $25, i think they are good.

marin

[Woop]

You can get different thickness snaprings. The thickness of the snap-ring determines bearing preload on the small needle roller bearing in the stub axle. Maybe there was a bit of grease under the thrust washers on the outside of the CV joint which increase the distance a bit. Sometimes i've had to push the clutch in, while gently pulling the axle outwards with some multi grips to get the snap-ring to fit--but yes, get a set of Milbar snap-ring pliers and it will make fitting easier.

Nick

[lexi]

Dicko
I had exactly the same prob with my 93 TD42. New everything and I machined the same amount off mine too. 2000k and no issues.
Alex