Gearbox flange circlip won't go on!

[blue95 0]

Had to remove the driver side gearbox flange (don't ask!), basically bought a new circlip and it just wont go back on! Have tried all manner of circlip pliers but nothing seems to hold, as it has very small edges and goes into a the recessed flange :bad-words:

 

Any tips? before I a whack the car with hammer!

 

Pic below no - (19)

 

Screenshot-2.png[/attachment:nytnb62y]

 

PS - I have tried placing it on the splined shaft and placing a socket over it and whacking it...no effect!. Also am a bit limited on space as the gearbox is in situ on the car!

[bcstudent 0]

Can you actually see the circlip recess? On my 16v I had to use a special tool I borrowed from VW to pull the gearbox output shaft through the flange in order to get the circlip in place. The output shaft was kind of sprung loaded.

[blue95 0]

Can you actually see the circlip recess? On my 16v I had to use a special tool I borrowed from VW to pull the gearbox output shaft through the flange in order to get the circlip in place. The output shaft was kind of sprung loaded.

 

Yep can see the recess, circlip seems to be so damn tight...lack of space doesn't help either tho