U joint retaining clips
 

I'm trying to remove the retaining clips on the axle end u joint to replace it. I cannot for the lift of me get them out. I was squeezing so hard on them that I had to stop cuz my hand hurt so much, and once, the needle nose pliers slipped on me and shot a spark out. I have hit them with PBlaster, and still can't get them. So 3 questions:

1. Should I hit it with heat?

2. The pic below is how I'm trying to remove it with needle nose pliers, is this the correct way?

3. My new u joint came with new clips, so if worse comes to worst, can I just break these old ones?

They make a special tool for removing these. You can get it at most parts stores that sell tools, Harbor Freight, and Sears. It looks like a small pair of pliers with pinpoint tips. It's nearly impossible to remove the clips with pliers. The tool is not expensive and if you intend to do more service like this, get them.

You'll need the same tool to seat the replacement clips.

A pair of needle nose pliers and a screw driver worked for me.

Are you taking about snap ring pliers?

Easiest way for me is to take a flat head and wedge it in where the clip starts going into the shaft and take a hammer and force the clip out

That's kinda what I was thinking. I'll give it a shot.

That's what i do when i do U-joints

Cool.

Haha, shoulda figured to grave a hammer. Thanks guys

yeah, i squeeze them with pliers, then tap the pliers with a hammer to unseat them from the groove. works every time.