Snap ring pliers

[KCPowerStroker]

Guys, have an 06 F250 and my front axle is leaking diff fluid at the knuckle at a rate I need to fix it soon.

So a buddy and I tore into it today and got stuck trying to get the snap ring out of the hub. Tried AutoZone, Sears, Napa, Advance auto and o'rilieys and no one has pliers that reach in the hub far enough, are skinny enough to fit between the axle shaft and the hub housing.

Any thoughts on the exact pliers needed to get the snap ring out and back in?

Thanks!

Eric

[Gringo_Tex]

Here is a link to a rather long thread on Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum about doing your ball joints. One user, DJR96, added to the thread about his '06 Superduty hubs. He show's a picture of the snap ring pliers he used, and he describes them, but he doesn't give a model or manufacturer. He does have a ruler lying beside the pliers and the snap ring lying on the ruler. The closest I could find to these pliers online is a set of Knipex 12.75" External Ring Pliers on Amazon. Whether they would do it or not ... sorry, wish I could be more definitive, but I haven't done this yet myself.

Third post down on the thread page, or post #93 of the thread - DJR96 - '06 Superduty hubs

Knipex 4611A4 External Straight Retaining Ring Pliers 12.75-Inch

Knipex 4611A4 External Straight Retaining Ring Pliers 12.75-Inch

[killacal]

I just went through this on my truck and used a set of snap-on pliers. They weren't very long, but they were thin, and that's what seemed to make the difference. Those snap rings are also very tight... so use a good set of pliers, or they'll likely bend.

Also, if it's leaking dif fluid at the knuckle it's likely the inner seals near the carrier. The outter seals do absolutely nothing (at least the stock ones) in terms of actually keeping the fluid in. Take a look at this thread and associated links for more info:

Front axle shaft inner oil seals?

[sinner6.0L]

I know for sure these will work

SRPC9000A, Pliers, Retaining Ring, Fixed Tip, Convertible, 0°/.090" tips, 8 21/32"

[killacal]

Originally Posted by sinner6.0L

I know for sure these will work

SRPC9000A, Pliers, Retaining Ring, Fixed Tip, Convertible, 0°/.090" tips, 8 21/32"

+1 those are the exact same set I used... I just didn't know the part #.