63 Master Cylinder snap ring removal

[Steve D.]

Car is 63, but I think the MC is 64. Drum brakes. Question_ How do you remove the snap ring to release the plunger and other parts? The snap ring has no holes for the pins of the snap ring pliers to slide into in order to compress the ring.

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 Master Cylinder snap ring removal

Steve-----

This type of snap ring in this type application should be illegal. Unfortunately, it's not. The only way that I know of to "extract" these is to use a pair of small screwdrivers or awls to pry them out.

[Steve D.]

Re: 63 Master Cylinder snap ring removal

Joe

Thanks. That's the only thing I could think of, but I was hoping that someone might have a silver bullet.

Steve

[Verne Frantz]

Re: 63 Master Cylinder snap ring removal

Steve,
If you manually push the plunger in, away from the snap ring, you should be able to grab the ring with a pair of bent needle nose pliers. Pull it toward the center, then twist it up gently.
At least that's worked for me. Just make sure the ring is free in the groove first, not rusted fast.
Also, before you push on the plunger, make sure you know which direction the outlet fittings are pointed. You're likely to spit brake fluid!

Verne

[Steve D.]

Re: 63 Master Cylinder snap ring removal

Verne

Thanks. I used a variation of that method. With the plunger depressed and the edge of the ring exposed, I used a dremmel tool and carefully cut a section out of the edge near the middle of the ring. When I pried on one open end of the ring, it broke at the cut and came out in two pieces. It worked well, but I think I'll get some bent nosed pliers and try your method next time.

Steve