Starter bearing retaining clip

[Jimustanguitar]

Since I have a rebuild kit and some seals on the way, I started taking my old starter apart so that I can make sure all of the pieces are an exact match... Anyway, when I removed the main bearing seal with pliers, I accidentally grabbed the retaining ring too and it's a little bent out of shape now. I can bend it back, but I want to make sure that I get it right. It appears to be wavy, like it functioned as a retainer AND a spring. Does the springiness of the waves hold the bearing tight against the housing, or is it supposed to act as a spacer between the bearing and the seal? Which way should I orient it, and how springy should I make it?

Thanks!

[carotman]

It's only a retaining clip.

[Jimustanguitar]

I bent back the one I had. After thinking about it overnight, I figured that the "waves" are there to locate the clip and keep it in its groove by lightly touching the oil seal. It doesn't apply pressure to anything, it just holds itself in place.

It's back together now, no problems yet.