Well fudge

[Cadden]

Whats the point of the snap ring then?

And as far as I can tell the hubs aren't busted and turn shafts with wheels etc.

I believe that pilot retainer is actually in the retainer cap you bolt on from the outside, once you remove that, the bearing can fall out.

Are you sure you didn't break a front locking hub?

Where is that clunking coming from? The direction can't be heard in the video.

 

[Cadden]

For example, at about the 5 minute mark here you can see him taking the snap ring off before removing the bearing and then he actually has to tap the bearing out with a hammer.

 

[folkenheath]

Whats the point of the snap ring then?

And as far as I can tell the hubs aren't busted and turn shafts with wheels etc.

I have completely rebuilt my NP205 before, but it has been a while.

The snap ring prevents the bearing from sliding all the way into the case. Notice in the above video he took it out on the outside of the case, it was not in a groove in the case, only in the bearing.

The outer cap holds the bearing from sliding out, the snap ring holds the bearing from sliding in.

Now I am not saying it should literally "fall" out, but there will be a nice tolerance it should fit in without slop. He would of been able to get it out had he tried before he removed the snap ring.