Removing large snap ring manual hubs, I lost my touch

[mtnmankev]

I need to service the wheel bearings on my 84 K10 and I have lost my touch (probably due to old age) and now I cannot get the large snap ring out so i can remove the hub innards.
It used to be easy for me, and I have the pointed picks and tools to get into tight areas, but the ring just won't come out of it's groove.
Is it possible any buildup of crud around it could prevent me from doing it?
The O rings are bad on the hubs and I see where some moisture has gotten into it, so there's a good chance crud got in too.
Any suggestions ??

 

[DrvnDrvr]

I modified 2 small screwdrivers. one to stop the ring from sliding around the groove and the other to pry out. Harbor freight tools are good for something.

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[skysurfer]

Have you tried expanding the ring slightly and tapping it sideways in the groove a little bit? If it moves, at least you know it isn’t stuck in place.

 

[mtnmankev]

It will slide in the groove, so I know it isn't stuck or frozen.

 

[CalSgt]

Have you tried expanding the ring slightly and tapping it sideways in the groove a little bit? If it moves, at least you know it isn’t stuck in place.

^^^^ This

If its the large internal ring that retains the locking mechanism and spring use a hammer and punch to tap it so it will rotate a little.

 

[Strick]

I'll use a flathead & wedge between the lockout & the tube. This keeps the ring from spinning inside the tube & then use a pick to get the ring out. I usually will file an angle or slightly bend the ring at the end so the next time I go to service the hub I'm not fighting the ring for 10 minutes.