Front Drive Shaft, CV Snap Ring Help.

Hello all.
Recently I've changed the CV boot on the front drive shaft. The usual problems of rust welded bolts etc. I removed the CV joint to get the new rubber boot on, there's a snap ring on the shaft, and when replacing the CV , I bent it. At this point I'm stuck! I am not at home and need the car to get home from where I'm doing the job. I decide to gamble and put it back together without the snap ring to get home. Did a short drive and all seemed to be well.
My question is.. what is the ring for? It does not seem strong enough to stop the CV coming off, and once back together where can the shaft separate? What I'm really asking is.. Do I really need to strip it all down again to fit this ring, which looking at the new one, I'll only bend again. Sorry to go on.
All advice welcome Thanks,

MULDERKE said:

My question is.. what is the ring for?

Click to expand...

The C ring keeps the joints from popping apart, when the shaft is off the vehicle. When the shaft is in place, the design of the suspension prevents the shaft from coming apart. Basically it's too long to fall out the gap between the hub and gearbox output bearing.

Nodge68.

Thanks for your reply. I'll run it as it is for now then until I get round to doing it. There's other stuff to do before the weather drops.

Cheers.