VE axle retaining clip

[lmoengnr]

I'd say that's the difference. Someone like @lmoengnr would probably know. I didn't realise you had a HSV.

They are 'detent' type of clips, they should compress into the groove when levering the stub shafts out of the diff.
All ZF diffs should have them fitted if the stub shafts have grooves cut.
Try the old clips on the shafts, if you can't shake them off the shafts in their relaxed position, they should be ok to re-use.

 

[Rupey]

My m80 has it too.

I'm thinking it has something to do with traction control?

Does BT have t/c?

@Rupey does your R8 have t/c?

Yes it has traction control

 

[Rupey]

They are 'detent' type of clips, they should compress into the groove when levering the stub shafts out of the diff.
All ZF diffs should have them fitted if the stub shafts have grooves cut.
Try the old clips on the shafts, if you can't shake them off the shafts in their relaxed position, they should be ok to re-use.

Excellent thanks mate, appreciate it.. I figured all ZF diffs would be the same across the V6, V8 range including LSD and non-LSD
I figure if they aren't there the stub axle will just float in and out and potentially damage the seal

 

[losh1971]

They are 'detent' type of clips, they should compress into the groove when levering the stub shafts out of the diff.
All ZF diffs should have them fitted if the stub shafts have grooves cut.

I don't recall having any and I certainly didn't fit any new ones when the shafts went back in. Considering the method used for removing the hub I don't see how they wouldn't get damaged in the process. I will have to check my spare shaft and see if it has grooves and a clip.

 

[Lex]

I don't recall having any and I certainly didn't fit any new ones when the shafts went back in. Considering the method used for removing the hub I don't see how they wouldn't get damaged in the process. I will have to check my spare shaft and see if it has grooves and a clip.

Didn't you have problems removing your shafts when replacing the diff?

 

[losh1971]

Didn't you have problems removing your shafts when replacing the diff?

Nope, the shafts and the knuckle slid right out. It was the bearing that later caused me grief.

 

[losh1971]

This has really bugged me now. I may have them but IDR seeing any. If I did they certainly didn't need prising to get the shafts out. Looking at at big photo on a computer just now I can not see how those clips can be accessed, as that's inside the diff housing, past the seal I'm 99% sure of it. Got me stumped how they could be accessed. I'd love to see a photo of someone using a screwdriver on them with the diff in place.

Not doubting you have them now. I'm just confused on how they can be reached.

 

[lmoengnr]

Excellent thanks mate, appreciate it.. I figured all ZF diffs would be the same across the V6, V8 range including LSD and non-LSD
I figure if they aren't there the stub axle will just float in and out and potentially damage the seal

Just a few differences, such as the input shaft difference between V6 and V8's and HSV diffs having shot peened gear sets.

 

[lmoengnr]

This has really bugged me now. I may have them but IDR seeing any. If I did they certainly didn't need prising to get the shafts out. Looking at at big photo on a computer just now I can not see how those clips can be accessed, as that's inside the diff housing, past the seal I'm 99% sure of it. Got me stumped how they could be accessed. I'd love to see a photo of someone using a screwdriver on them with the diff in place.

Not doubting you have them now. I'm just confused on how they can be reached.

No big deal if they aren't fitted, the hub and suspension components will stop the driveshaft from 'exiting the vehicle'...
You can't access the clips 'in situ', that's why you need a pair of levers to remove them, the clips should compress into the groove as you lever them out.

 

[losh1971]

No big deal if they aren't fitted, the hub and suspension components will stop the driveshaft from 'exiting the vehicle'...
You can't access the clips 'in situ', that's why you need a pair of levers to remove them, the clips should compress into the groove as you lever them out.

Ok that would be why we were able to pull the shafts and knuckle out without having to do anything but unbolt stuff.

I wonder then what happens to those clips when you replace a bearing, as you need to bash on the end of the shaft with a big hammer while using the puller tool as the hubs tend to seize on. Do the clips just compress each time you wack it?