Does anyone know how to remove the original universal joint retainer clips. These are c-shaped and have nothing to grab on to.

 

Use a sharp point to get behind it and pry it out. Or maybe a screw driver. What ever you do,,,,BE CAREFUL!!

 

I tried a sharp point (bent that); screw driver (just makes it spin around); Drill (broke two bits); Hammer (no effect); banged my head against it (killed a few brain cells. Still no effect.

 

I'm guessing you have what's in the first pic. If so, it has to be just spring loaded. You need to get something behind it. Use something to keep it from spinning. Or do you have the second pic.

 

The retainers in the first pic are what I have. I can't seem to get anything behind them.

 

If you could maybe, use some vice grip's on a paper towel, or rag to keep from damaging anything, and clamp down to keep the clip from spinning. Then use a small screw driver, or ice pick to get at the end of the clip.

Again,,,,BE CAREFUL!!

 

Put on some saftey glasses then grab two flat blade screwdrivers of the same length, position the screwdrivers on either end of the clip and hit them both with a hammer. Works everytime.

 

take a sharp chisel and cut the part you can get at. this usually gives the clip a little room to move.

 

Try putting the universal in a vice and then use 2 small screwdrivers to take the retainer ring off.

 

Thanks guys. I finally got them out. A sharp metal pick, a few choice words and two bruised hands later I was able to extract them. Someone tell me why I just didn't take it to the dealer. I guess a whole garage full of tools should tell me something. Oh well, I have five more to go.

 

Glad to hear you got it.

Make sure you mark everything, and put it back together like you took it apart or you may get a vibration.

 

I usually get them with a center punch and small chisel.

 

ya a good set of picks are an amazing investment.

 

Put on some saftey glasses then grab two flat blade screwdrivers of the same length, position the screwdrivers on either end of the clip and hit them both with a hammer. Works everytime.
That is how I do it, I change them all the time.