Drivers side rear axle retaining C-clip

[drewtx154]

This evening I was taking care of my driver side rear axle seal as it's been leaking since I bought my 2002 Chevy Tahoe LT 2WD 5.3. got the carrier pin out along with a one piece bolt, thank God..... And like I said I started with the driver side. After removing brake caliper and rotor, I pushed inward a tad on the axle and I swear I hard something metal fall out and hit the driveway from under the truck, as in the axle retaining clip, and then I was able to pull the axle straight out. Problem is I go under to investigate in the diff and I cannot find a c-clip anywhere... I stuck my finger up through the empty pin shaft and nothing. Nothing on the bottom of the diff. No driver c clip to be found... Is there even anywhere that a retaining clip could get logged in the diff without being able to be seen/located? The axle obviously has the notch for a clip but would it even have one? Could it be possible that it just was missing in the first place? Like I have questions about this whole thing now lol... I didn't try to pull the axle straight out at first, if I had them I would've known if there's was a retainer clip in there or not, I initially pushed inward. Anyone got any theories to add to this mystery?? If I search again and can't find anything inside and I order another clip and install on the axle that's missing one is there a chance that I year up the diff of the missing clip isn't actually missing just hiding very well inside the diff? Btw I did reinsert the driver side axle after replacing the seal and my score does have some scaring on the contract surface with the wheel bearing... Wheel bearing rollers seemed fine just the axle had some minor scars/pitting.... I drive highway miles/speeds every weekday morning and have never felt anything out of the ordinary "rear axle wise". I know this was a long post and I apologize but I always appreciate any help. I will attach pics in the morning if that will help, it's about to storm right now so I've called off my search for the night and will get at it early tomorrow a.m.

 

[OR VietVet]

#1, I would never do just the seal, always replace the bearing while apart. Hopefully you also clean and lube the caliper guides when you do the rest of the reassembly.

#2, I would guess that the C clip fell in where the spiders are. If you roll that carrier, without axles in it, those spiders will roll out. Not to bad to reassemble but can be a PITA. Hopefully you cleaned all the fluid laying in the bottom of the diff and did a thorough search. You are absolutely sure it did not come out and hit the ground? I have done hundreds of C clip axle pulls and never ever had the clip come out of that carrier. Also, if you have it tore down this far, do both sides.

Pics would be great.

 

[Mollys70]

Maybe a telescoping magnet will help.

 

[Mudsport96]

Maybe a telescoping magnet will help.

This here. I can't even tell you gow many times i dropped a C clip in plain sight inside the diff and didnt see it. But the magnet found it every time.

 

[drewtx154]

#1, I would never do just the seal, always replace the bearing while apart. Hopefully you also clean and lube the caliper guides when you do the rest of the reassembly.

#2, I would guess that the C clip fell in where the spiders are. If you roll that carrier, without axles in it, those spiders will roll out. Not to bad to reassemble but can be a PITA. Hopefully you cleaned all the fluid laying in the bottom of the diff and did a thorough search. You are absolutely sure it did not come out and hit the ground? I have done hundreds of C clip axle pulls and never ever had the clip come out of that carrier. Also, if you have it tore down this far, do both sides.

Pics would be great.

Yes I was gonna do bearings but they seemed ok so I just left them alone for now. Plus I don't have a slide hammer or axle bearing puller attachment or whatever they're called. I'm really wanting to get this rear diff leak I've had finally finished. I e tried to seal it up like 4 different times now. First started with paper gasket, then tried permatex, then got a Lube Locker gasket, then tried lube locker with permatex and everytime it leaks. Finally bought a new GM cover with new bolts so I want to get at least the leaking seal done also so I don't have to go back in for a while....and I got new caliper guide pin boots along with caliper piston seals prepared for install. I Checked all over the ground for the clip and no dice.... I'm about to go back under and check in the carrier again. I did not want to have the spiders come out as I'm not experienced enough with them to know how to put them back or maybe I'm just doubting myself too much right now but I know I'd rather keep them where they are right now. Can I put the lock pin back in and lightly hand tighten the pin bolt and then roll the carrier to avoid spiders falling out with axles removed? Also It was late and about to storm last night so I was in a rush and didn't thoroughly check inside the carrier. But if it came out as I pushed inward it didn't sound like it fell very far...so it's gota be somewhere.... I'll keep an update and thanks for the tips....and yes I will be doing both sides....

 

[OR VietVet]

That clip is in there and that suggested magnet by @Mollys70 and @Mudsport96, is the way to go. If the spiders fall out, if I remember right there are spacer type bushings that are curved to the shape of the back of the spider gear, that you have to deal with too. If you put the cross shaft back in and try to turn it, you may not have enough room for the C clip to come out.

 

[drewtx154]

Yes I'm certain now they both fell in between the spider gears as I pushed the passenger side axle and low and behold I heard the same falling metal clanky sound as with the driver side and I know i saw the c clip on that side of the axle. I guess in hindsight I should have turned the carrier to face downward instead of open side facing upward....I guess I'm getting a lesson today. Now I gota go hunt for 2 clips. The magnet I have is too large and too strong to fit in there at the moment I gota find a smaller magnet...Lol

 

[OR VietVet]

Whenever I did those, I would turn the open spot down as far as I could and still had clearance to unthread the retaining bolt, that holds the cross shaft, and slide it out.

 

[Mollys70]

The magnet I have is too large and too strong to fit in there at the moment I gota find a smaller magnet...Lol

Rub your magnet on a screwdriver a few times to magnetize it. Maybe that will get them out.

 

[drewtx154]

Got them out and and back where they belong... And then...... Came across another situation. This time it was a seized caliper slide pin on one of the brake calipers. Dealt with that and am now needing a new set of slide pins. All n all a good day! I took pics but no need to post now but I will post the one of my axle scarring. Drivers side