Outer CV Joint Removal..., Need some advice Options

[Joseph Mills]

After removing the four star bolts from the outer CV joint (at the wheel), I removed the axle with the circlip, cage and balls in place (which are all in good shape). However, the CV joint "hub" itself (with the two guide pins) has not budged from the "wheel hub flange".

With the inner CV joint (next to the transaxle), the hub is totally exposed and a few taps with a hammer and then careful prying with a screwdriver and the hub comes right off the "transaxle flange".

But since the outer hub is located deep inside the suspension arm, it is difficult to get to.

Any advice, tips, or tools that may help me break this thing loose?

[John]

So, I'm not sure exactly what you have done.

When I used to (before I got smarter) remove halfshafts, I used to remove the bolts from the inner (transmission side) CV joint and seperate the axle there. I would then remove the bolts on the outer (wheel bearing end) CV joint. The outer CV joint (wheel bearing side) would ALWAYS be stuck because of the roll pins. I used to use the axle itself as a slide hammer to pull the axle out of the stub axle (wheel bearing side).

It was always a big PITA and with the car up in the air, it was probably not too safe. I learned later on (about 10 years ago) that it was MUCH MUCH easier to:

Remove the stub axle nut, then remove and seperate the inner CV joint (transmission side). The axle assembly will now EASILY slide out of the outer Wheel Hub.

(CAUTION: do not rest the weight of the car on the rear wheels if the Stub axle is not installed and torqued or you risk damage to the rear wheel bearings. {From what I have herd/Read})