VC disassembly?

[boner]

just wondering if someone has done this before. I have seen youtube vids of that dude in germany rebuilding a vanagon VC and it seems fairly straightforward. I've also seen the links to a german website that sells the proper fluid for a VC (because the dealer can't get it).

the issue i am having though is that i cannot for the life of me figure out how to get past step one: open VC. the vanagon unit has a nice big snap ring to pull it apart. i've not seen that on a passat uint. disclaimer, it's in the car and i was doing other things this week so i may not have seen it in the minute i took to "inspect"....

My VC is good except for the fact that someone previously put a driveshaft bolt in there that was too long and it peirced the reservoir a bit. not too big a deal right now as when the bolt is in, it seals nicely.

it would be a shame to toss this thing because i couldn't open it and TIG the hole shut.....

so, anyone know how to get past step one?! pics?!

thanks

[boner]

here's a good way to put it back together though.