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Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:43 pm

Does anyone know where to get the circlip that holds the big washer on the drive flange? I am replacing my seal and that damn circlip went flying off and i can't find it anywhere. I always manage to make these jobs just a bit more difficult.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:06 pm

Back in the olden days we used to call them jesus clips, cause the jesus things fly all over the place [:twisted:]

Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:32 pm

A search at Bus Depot using the part number 014311317 shows it for $1.10. That being said, it might be coming from Germany... I'd probably pull out the magnetic pick-up tool and start sweeping...

Andrew

Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:03 pm

Your local VW dealer could get one in about 2 days or less. Might even have one in stock. And you never need worry about quality from them. It will be the same part as originally fitted.
Still, it seems like it might be worthwhile to spend a little quality time under your car with a flashlight or magnet. It could be hung up on the trailing arm or other underside parts.
Al

Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:45 pm

I picked up mine from GoWesty

Sun Jul 20, 2008 2:31 am

I looked for quite a bit for that little devil with no luck. I'll look again tomorrow. I ended up just going to Ace hardware and picking up a couple that look really close to the size. I don't think it's very risky using one of these Ace clips as they seem plenty strong. Is there something that I should be worried about? I can't imagine there is a whole lot of difference in circlips.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 7:06 am

Ace Hardware? I'd use nothing but a new one from VW to replace any removed.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 9:55 am

I can't imagine that Ace would even have the correct type of snap ring. they probably have Tru-arc rings, the ones with holes.
The factory ones are installed with some amount of preload from the spring washers to keep the flange from moving on the splines.
Someone had a nice description of how to install them a few months ago. You could look it up.
Basically, it said to expand the ring over the splined shaft, then fit a socket over the top that just clear the splines, then give it a good whack. this will push the snap ring against the spring washer and take up all the play, then the ring will snap into the groove and hold it tight.
If you are so inclined Vw has a factory tool that is only a couple hundred dollars that will do the same thing. :<)
Al

Sun Jul 20, 2008 12:30 pm

Hmmmm,
I guess I'll order a new one if I can't find the little bugger. Ace did have snap-rings that looked the same (no holes) but it is such a cheap part I guess it really doesn't make sense to try something not specific to VW. I just didn't want to wait for it to be mailed.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 1:06 pm

Go to ace or home depot and buy a bar magnet. It is about 16" wide and it has a telescoping handle. Put it on the ground and work around the area it was lost. They usually don't fly too far. This tool has saved me more than once. If you can't find it order the correct part. I am sure that you don't want to do the job again of the "Ace" option fails on the road. Good luck.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 1:31 pm

yield27 wrote: Hmmmm,
I guess I'll order a new one if I can't find the little bugger. Ace did have snap-rings that looked the same (no holes) but it is such a cheap part I guess it really doesn't make sense to try something not specific to VW. I just didn't want to wait for it to be mailed.
Where are you? In some parts of the US you might have someone nearby that can help. Or again, the dealer might have one on the shelf.
Al

Sun Jul 20, 2008 4:11 pm

I'm in Flagstaff, AZ. There isn't a VW dealer here. Maybe some of the local import mechanics would have an extra clip though. Of course it's Sunday so I can't do much till tomorrow. I have a feeling the clip flew up into the van somewhere and isn't on the ground anywhere right now.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 4:36 pm

Once the circlip has been removed, that's it ... it is deformed and shouldn't be re-used. Don't learn the hard way on this ... it's a 90-cent part.

Spreading the circlip just enough to slide it onto the end of the stub shaft (so that you can then whack it in place with a socket) won't deform it, but removing it again WILL deform it beyond re-use.