[Vwdiesel] drive axle seals

[mikitka]

I’m trying to change out my drive flange seals and running across a problem.
The piece of bar stock that I have, which is a ¼ inch thick is bending. I
can’t get the drive flange to compress so I can remove the  C clip and
spring. Any hints as to getting the drive flange to move.  I have tried
tapping it with pressure against it by it will not compress.  

Thanks,

Nick