A snap ring for guiding rolling elements between an inner ring and an outer ring of a bearing assembly includes an annular body having an axially facing side surface and a radially extending flange. The body is circular and has a circumferential gap between a first end of the body and a second end of the body and a recess in the side surface near the gap. The recess is configured such that a tool is introducible into the recess from outside the bearing assembly in order to remove the snap ring from the bearing assembly.