4matic -Installing retention clip for shaft/oil pan
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C300
4matic -Installing retention clip for shaft/oil pan
Due to the diyers here, I did not make this mistake >> https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w204/811271-s204-broke-oilpan-fused-cv-axle-plan-action.html when removing my intermediate shaft for repairs, however, it did take 2 brains + 4 hands + an unholy amount of time to remove the retention clip (bent/destroyed in the process). Now that I'm getting this thing back together, how on earth did you get a clip back in?! I didn't remove the steering but even then, it seems like a minimal amount of space to work within. I haven't been able to find anyone that answers this question in videos/posts, they just state it was "pretty easy" to get back together (understandable, as I, too, am desperate to not be doing this repair anymore) but....HOW?
Pertinent info:
I'm just so out of ideas. Even if I get no response, at least it was an opportunity to vent about the worst car repair I've ever taken part in 😅
Pertinent info:
- this was a CV + motor mount + transmission mount repair
- When removing intermediate shaft, was eventually was able to remove retention clip with 2 flathead screwdrivers by sliding the ring to the bottom with a pick, prying it away from the channel as hard as possible (to make a gap), and interesting another screwdriver behind it. Then, holding that second screwdriver in place and ripping it out in any way possible (putting this here so searchable for others - I pray this helps someone)
- car is on stands
- Tried internal O-ring pliers (6-6.5" long, at every angle except 90°) are not sufficient for going in through the wheel well or either accessible space on the bottom - the tips don't stay in the holes of the clip because it has to travel down the shaft and If you slide the clip to the end of the shaft, it's nearly impossible to see what you're doing to get the tips in when your hand is in such a tight space.
- I'm a small woman so outside of a toddler doing this repair, I have the most ideal workable space.
I'm just so out of ideas. Even if I get no response, at least it was an opportunity to vent about the worst car repair I've ever taken part in 😅
