How to Remove a Snap Ring on a Car

Even the simplest car repairs can seem expensive. To save money, you can learn to do a few things yourself--including removing the snap ring on your car, part of a larger valve joint replacement process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle-nose pliers
• Protective eyewear

1. Put on your eye protection. The snap ring is a spring-loaded ring that sits around the valve joint. Take the risk seriously and protect your eyes.

2. Remove the grease seal. The grease seal is a rubber ring that keeps the snap ring lubricated on the valve joint. You can easily pull it off with needle-nose pliers.

3. Look for the opening on the snap ring. The snap ring is in the shape of a circle with an opening at the end.

4. Bend the snap ring so the spring loses its shape, and then pull it away from your car.

Tips & Warnings

• A valve joint is often called a ball joint in the car industry.
• When shopping for a snap ring, ask about the accessories that come with a ball joint or valve joint. Some car parts stores consider it part of the joint itself and therefore don't catalog it separately.
• Replacing the entire ball joint can be a laborious process. Let the professionals handle your car if you don't have the time to dedicate to the job.

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