Nefarious Bevel Gear Case Seal - pliers?

[Jay4200]

I need to change one of the bevel gear case seals on my L4200. Rumor has it that the key to success is a "good" pair of circlip pliers. What type and size of pliers do I need to do the job? Any other tips?

thanks - JayC

 

[Jay4200]

Anybody?

JayC

 

[Toolguy]

Snap Ring Pliers are sized according the size of the holes in the ends of the circlips or "snap rings". You want the tips of the pliers to be the same size as the holes. Too big and they won't fit. Too small and you risk breaking the tips on the pliers. The correct size pliers will also have the handle length necessary to give you the leverage you need to compress or expand the snap rings. Most snap ring pliers are reversable so they can be used on either internal or external snap rings. The best pliers have one piece tips, either straight, 45* or 90*. You can also get a universal set that has interchangeable tips which include 90* tips as well as straight or slightly angled. For larger snap rings, 2" or more, the solid tips work best. The solid tips are always best, but the interchangeable ones usually get the job done on the smaller rings. The solid tip pliers can be hard to find unless you are a professional mechanic. The mobile tool distributors all sell them. Most auto parts stores do not. They usually sell the interchangeable ones, though. If you want to get a good set and can't find them anywhere, send me a PM and I can help. Good luck.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

When I was repairing the bevel gears on my Kama, the biggest pliers in my cheap stamped metal set wasn't close to being strong enough. I found a 9" pliers at Northern similar to this one:
Northern Industrial 7in. Internal Bent Pliers | Snap Ring Pliers | Northern Tool + Equipment

For some reason it seems like the 9" size is only available in-store. These are the best snap ring pliers I've used. They are built like needle-nose pliers with solid tapered steel jaws. The pins are part of the jaws and very sturdy.

 

[repete]

When I was repairing the bevel gears on my Kama, the biggest pliers in my cheap stamped metal set wasn't close to being strong enough. I found a 9" pliers at Northern similar to this one:
Northern Industrial 7in. Internal Bent Pliers | Snap Ring Pliers | Northern Tool + Equipment

For some reason it seems like the 9" size is only available in-store. These are the best snap ring pliers I've used. They are built like needle-nose pliers with solid tapered steel jaws. The pins are part of the jaws and very sturdy.

Second that. Get a GOOD pair for these snap rings and you will be happy. The changeable tip type may not be quite enough capacity. If I remember correctly on my 2550 (not sure yours is the same design) there is a snap ring way inside that can be a bugger with a cheap short pair. I forget if they are internal snaps or external snaps.

 

[Jay4200]

Snap Ring Pliers are sized according the size of the holes in the ends of the circlips or "snap rings". You want the tips of the pliers to be the same size as the holes. Too big and they won't fit. Too small and you risk breaking the tips on the pliers. The correct size pliers will also have the handle length necessary to give you the leverage you need to compress or expand the snap rings. Most snap ring pliers are reversable so they can be used on either internal or external snap rings. The best pliers have one piece tips, either straight, 45* or 90*. You can also get a universal set that has interchangeable tips which include 90* tips as well as straight or slightly angled. For larger snap rings, 2" or more, the solid tips work best. The solid tips are always best, but the interchangeable ones usually get the job done on the smaller rings. The solid tip pliers can be hard to find unless you are a professional mechanic. The mobile tool distributors all sell them. Most auto parts stores do not. They usually sell the interchangeable ones, though. If you want to get a good set and can't find them anywhere, send me a PM and I can help. Good luck.

Given all of the above, especially the size criterion, what I was originally hoping was that someone could tell me what size circlip pliers I needed so I would know what to buy. Being that these seals eventually leak on almost all of the tractors, I'm sure there is someone out there who can give me some specifics.

There are 3 rings (2 int, 1 ext) in the assembly - I'd assume all have to be pulled out - I'd also assume that all are pretty big.

Thanks for the info - JayC

 

[brain55]

Given all of the above, especially the size criterion, what I was originally hoping was that someone could tell me what size circlip pliers I needed so I would know what to buy. Being that these seals eventually leak on almost all of the tractors, I'm sure there is someone out there who can give me some specifics.

There are 3 rings (2 int, 1 ext) in the assembly - I'd assume all have to be pulled out - I'd also assume that all are pretty big.

Thanks for the info - JayC

Here is what I use. This will cover any possibilities. You can probably get away with the 6 biggest in that set. SRPC9000A, SRPC9045A, SRPC9090A, SRPC7000, SRPC7045, SRPC7090.

Snap-On snap ring pliers

Brian