HELP: Can't remove outer CV-Joint

[Ameer Antar]

I'm in the middle of repacking my front CV joints and I can't get the outer CV joints to come off either of the axle shafts. I have a good snap-ring plier and it does seem to open the circlip all the way, but it seems like the joint is stuck to the shaft. I've been hammering away at the central hub (closest part to the shaft) w/ a small brass rod and a hammer, but it won't budge. The Bentley says to place the drift on the center hub, but I've read in the archive that some people hammered at the CV joint's heavy outer housing. It seems like doing that would put a lot of pressure on the bearings and cage, possibly damaging the joint. So, I'm not excited about trying this. Does any one see a better approach to this? Also does the joint need to be in a certain direction when pulling it off? If only it was as easy as the inner ones... Any advice or BTDT's appreciated.

-Ameer