I had an axle that must have had a little slop at the "C" clip slot or in the housing because the area on both sides of the "C" clip were pushed up higher then the axle surface around it. I cleaned mine up with a good flat file, but I didn't have to beat mine out. Hopefully you didn't mess up the end or the slot for the clip.

The only other possible issue I can think of is there may be a grove worn where the bearing rides on the axle out by the wheel. Personally, I would probably replace the axle. Can't be that hard to find, and I wouldn't want to take the chance. My Gene