Having problems removing the snap ring on the steering column, I have the lock plate compressor to hold that down, but for some reason I cannot get the damn ring off, I searched and one person said they used a screw driver, I have tried for over an hour now, it just slips right back into place. Any help suggestions would be appreciated!! BTW this ring isnt the general snap ring that has slits in it for pliers, help

http://www.carcraft.com/howto/56459/#
The third picture on this article is where I am at, CANT get the ring off

 

i use a small pick and screw driver

 

Same here

 

Hey, I got it off, but its not in the same shape it used to be in, Can I use a traditional snap ring to replace it? I went to autozone and advance and they didnt have the ring? What did you do? Thanks a bunch!!

 

You could try to bend it back into shape, then slide it back on.

Most likely it's a dealer item, but will only be sold in a column kit, but try anyway.

Might get lucky with an industrial supplier of hardware, maybe even a NAPA-type autoparts store.

If nothing is open today, time to head to pick and pull, when you remove it, you just get it up to slide on the shaft, not open all the way to pull it out, IIRC there's another groove on the column to overcome while taking it out as well, just be careful and use two picks or two real small screwdrivers.

 

Its exact shape really isn't critical at all. As long as it goes back, and allows the lock plate to slide up around it, it's fine.

Just munge it back to where it's mostly round with a pair of pliers or something.

 

Yeah, I ended up bending it back and got it on, A LOT easier putting the damn thing back together then ripping it apart, Thanks for all the input!!!