Bearing race chipped on install (was: Wheel bearing circlips?)

[Eric_R_Kissell at whirlpool.com]

For the wheel bearing snap ring on my 1986-1991 Type 44 Audis, you do not
need pliers. I use a punch that fits in one of the two holes in the ring
and a couple of flat-bladed screw drivers. Pry the end of the snap ring up
and get a screw driver under it. Then work around the hub lifting the snap
ring out of the groove.

I have a set of inexpensive "disposable" screw drivers I use for tasks like
prying. So far I have not thrown one of these away yet, but it makes me
feel better than prying with tools from a nicer set.  This is the same
reason I have a both Craftsman and Mac socket sets. When I feel the need to
use a big cheater bar on a 3/8" or 1/2" drive ratchet, I feel a lot better
sliding the cheater bar over the handle of a Craftsman ratchet than a Mac.
So far the Craftsman ratchets have held up surprisingly well.

You are right - most snap ring pliers are not beefy enough for this wheel
bearing snap ring. It was nice of Harbor Freight to take the pliers back.

HTH,
Eric