# Gtting the C clip off 2004 GEM drive axle **URL:** \ **Category:** GEM Forum\ **Created:** [August 23, 2018, 1:29pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gtting-the-c-clip-off-2004-gem-drive-axle/14376 "2018-08-23T13:29:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bmmoore42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@Bmmoore42](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Bmmoore42)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2018, 1:29pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gtting-the-c-clip-off-2004-gem-drive-axle/14376/1 "2018-08-23T13:29:07Z")
I am trying to replace the boot on a 2004 GEM drivers side axle, and cant seem to get the trick of getting the C clip off the outer end to replace the boot. Does anyone have any recommendations? Also I removed the lower shock bolt but it still wont move enough to get the axle out? I am trying to avoid pulling it all the way out. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Old\_Houseboater](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/old_houseboater/32/544_2.png) [@Old\_Houseboater](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Old_Houseboater)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2018, 7:21pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gtting-the-c-clip-off-2004-gem-drive-axle/14376/2 "2018-08-23T19:21:32Z")
You have to take the axle out. the clip is a pinch type. you have to pinch the clip and withdraw the axle from the joint. ---
**Author:** ![Bmmoore42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e36b37/32.png) [@Bmmoore42](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Bmmoore42)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2018, 7:28pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gtting-the-c-clip-off-2004-gem-drive-axle/14376/3 "2018-08-23T19:28:30Z")
Thank you, does anything hold the axle is the transfer case or does it just slide in, assume I have to pry it out if so ---
**Author:** ![Old\_Houseboater](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/old_houseboater/32/544_2.png) [@Old\_Houseboater](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Old_Houseboater)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2018, 8:02pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gtting-the-c-clip-off-2004-gem-drive-axle/14376/4 "2018-08-23T20:02:58Z")
it has a spring retainer on the axle. The axle snaps out of the gear box when you pry on it In a message dated 8/23/2018 3:38:40 PM US Eastern Standard Time, [electricforum@discoursemail.com](mailto:electricforum@discoursemail.com) writes: ![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/electricforum/original/2X/b/b7e4de55bc133c0f384a147b3125bdd9d5d5299e.png "Bmmoore42") [Bmmoore42](https://community.electricforum.com/u/bmmoore42) August 23 Thank you, does anything hold the axle is the transfer case or does it just slide in, assume I have to pry it out if so ---
**Author:** ![Whardy1902](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/977dab/32.png) [@Whardy1902](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Whardy1902)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 10:50pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/gtting-the-c-clip-off-2004-gem-drive-axle/14376/5 "2018-08-29T22:50:01Z")
As far as the boot is concerned, that c clip is a bear to get off. I just wrapped the shaft with electrical tape to cover the c clip, used a little dish detergent for lubricant and then carefully slipped the boot over it. Easy peasy.