Retaining, Snap, Ring, Removal, Pliers, 5L40E, 6L50E, 6L80E, 6L90E , GM, Center Support

Snap Ring Pliers 26.5" 5L40/6L80

Needed for servicing the 5L40E, 6L50E, 6L80E and the 6L90E.

First found in higher-end GM rear-wheel drive apps in 06.

Center support retaining ring removal:

Have you had the pleasure of working on one yet?

The 6L80E ushered in a new era as GMs rear-wheel drive workhorse. A fascinating design that uses a Lepelletier-inspired gear train; it also uses a large aluminum center support which must be removed to gain access to the low/reverse clutch pack and the rear planet assembly.

The center support houses the 2-6 clutch pack on the front side and the low/reverse on the rear. The size of the support and the amount of stress of the two clutch packs it contains made necessary the use of a rather large, extremely stout snap-ring to hold it firmly in place.

Therefore, a rather large and stout pair of pliers is required!

Until just recently none were available. To remove the snap ring many have found it necessary to cut into the case from the bottom to gain access with a screwdriver and hammer to pop it out of the groove.

Leverage is the name of the game when this much pressure is in play.

Be ready for the next one that hits your bench!