missing snap ring on front wheel bearings

[SwampLife]

Changing my front wheel bearings today, and found that the PO left the snap ring and washer off. also the locknut was literally finger-tight, like i never touched a wrench to either nut to get them off. Anyway i got it all back together and torqued down to specs. how important is that snap ring and washer? i would feel alot better with them on there, but i have no idea of the size i need. If any of yall happen to have a hub taken apart right now i could really use a measurement of the ring and washer.

here's a pic i found on another forum of the snap ring im talking about:

 

[blazinzuk]

Its not absolutly needed I have run without one.

What it will do is allow the shaft to move in and out a little and it can rub the inner c, causing some damage to either the C or the axleshaft.

Should be pretty easy to take the other one and match it up.

I would definitely run it

 

[chulisohombre]

I ran mine for years without it. I didn't know it needed it. Does let the drive shaft move a lil. Didn't cause any problems though. Any parts store should be able to look it up.

 

[SwampLife]

thanks yall, if the other side has the snap ring i will go match it up, if not at least i dont wave to worry about anything falling off

 

[boz42]

I lean towards the thought that it is an important part of the axle assembly.

IMO - The stub shaft is designed to ride against the back side of the spindle. No pressure against it but it should touch it. That is why it has a large brass or plastic washer on the stub. I think that this is the position that the shaft needs to be in to keep the shafts u-joint properly aligned in the the ball joints axis. I use shims behind that snap ring to hold my stub shaft snug against the back of the spindle. Since I started doing that I have broken fewer axle shafts at the u-joint. Maybe by chance, but I think there is something to it.