Bitch Clip and Harbor Freight tool # 96752

[DavidE9]

Im not making any real progress on removing the bitch clip. This older thread references Harbor Freight tool # 96752, but I cant seem to find that tool and I think another thread said it was discontinued. Does anyone have a photo of what it looked like or know of a replacement tool ?

https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=120048




Other bitch clip info I came across:
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/drivet ... _clip.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwTjPKlVKI4
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dQlabhcUfJs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9GVzqDRh7Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz1O5VJI5PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dAS2laN-YE

[HayekFan]

I know it's not the info you're after but my impression from the links and videos is that the key is in the technique and not the particular screwdriver. Apparently you have to pry and rotate at the same, which sounds tricky. Probably one of those things where it seems impossible until you happen to get the motion just right and it works. Then suddenly you'll 'get' the feel of it and wonder why it was so hard before.

[DavidE9]

Thanks.
While those videos were somewhat helpful, they all seem to be of cars that look to have more room under there. The one video from a person with an E28 who says he can do the job in under 30 seconds doesn't really show what he is doing, leaving me to believe he is a witch.

Im 3 days into this job with no luck. The next step is to break out a Dremel and grind that sucker off.

I feel defeated.

[Blue Shadow]

I recall using a bent-end medium sized pick. Longer in length than the one on the right in this set: https://www.harborfreight.com/professio ... 57048.html

It might be possible to get there with the one just to the left of it.

Knowing that all you have to do it get something under the clip and pull it away from the trans enough so the catch is released helped my fenagle a tool into the space and get the job done. Should be able to lower the trans a bit for some room. Without the fan on the motor, the trans/motor can come down a good bit.

[DavidE9]

Thanks. Did you pull the Guibo out too ?

I do have it pried up about 30 degrees from horizontal (if that makes sense). But from there it just wont budge "up" more to fully unclip.

[Blue Shadow]

if the guibo/driveshaft is connected, you need to drop the csb to allow the shaft to drop and get the clearance.

should be enough to flip the clip over and allow it to completely disengage and get pulled out. It is unfortunate that the bitch part is inside instead of outside on the clip. More work for us

[DavidE9]

I have the guibo disconnected from the drive shaft end, but still connected on the transmission side. ( Im not able to get an impact wrench on the remaining 3 bolts.) so Id like to keep that as is if I can.

So, if I remove the transmission "carrier/cradle" and support it underneath with a jack, can I lower the transmission an inch or so to get at the bitch clip ? Do I need to also mess with the motor mounts, or maybe remove the radiator fan so that the back end of the tranny moves down without breaking anything ?

[adam_poll]

You're good to lower the back of the transmission down, that will make your life much easier. I think the back of the head will touch the firewall before anything else, I wouldn't worry about the motor mounts, they'll have enough give when you drop the transmission down.

You'll eventually pry the right way and that clip will give easily, you're on the right track giving yourself extra room to work. Good luck!

[DavidE9]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_wm17FnMmE

[HayekFan]

Congrats -- what was the trick?

[DavidE9]

Thanks.
Lowering the transmission by an inch or so gave me more room to pry it off with a small flat head screwdriver.