HELP: Can't remove outer CV-Joint

[Dave C.]

Ameer wrote...
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. "

Ameer,
The axles which use a bolt are said to be a piece of cake re: removal of
the outer joint. .. just tighten the bolt until the CV joint falls off.

I'll assume your axle is the type with a hub >nut< or you wouldn't be
having this problem.  I've repacked CV joints on more than a few of these
and never removed the outer joint.   It's not that I haven't tried.  I
struggled mightily as you describe ... with no success.  Once I broke off a
tab on the circlip before giving up.  I was afraid of damaging the joint if
I hammered any harder on it.

 I've always removed the entire shaft and repacked both joints. The inner
joint is much easier to remove from the shaft.  Once the inner joint is
off, with the aid of silicone lube, you can slide the boot for the outer
joint over the full length of the shaft.

To clean the old grease out of the joint I prefer to use old terry cloth
towels.  I've also used brake cleaner but it makes an even bigger mess and
I don't think it's much more effective than the towel.

If I >had< to remove the outer joint I'd seriously consider looking for a
shop with better tools than me and have them do it..
-----------------
Dave C.