[Mgs] Broken u-joint snap rings

[Robert J. Guinness]

I am in the process of replacing the prop shaft U-joints on my 1961 MGA 
1600.  It appears that the DPO broke the ears off of all four snap 
rings.  I have tapped the bearing caps in a tad, and the rings freely 
rotate in the recess.  But I cannot get them to bend out to grab them.  
I have tried a screwdriver and dental picks.  Are there any helpful hints? 

It is the front joint and does not seem to have any free play, but it is 
a "sealed joint" (no zerk fitting) and the rear joint was nackered 
beyond belief (the vibration tipped me off).  I would like to replace it 
now while the shaft is out.  Is it better to leave it "as is" given the 
difficulty in removing the broken snap rings?  Thanks
-- 
Robert Guinness