Can’t get the CV axle back in!

Crowbar is the easiest way to remove the CV too

 

I used a couple long 1/2" drive extensions with a bit of duct tape and I was tapping it in close to where the wheel would be.

I used a socket to drive it in. It was large enough to put the extension in the socket from the work side and have a nice flat surface up against the bushing

 

I lubed the cv splines and had a friend wiggle it up and down while i tapped it in with a prybar and hammer

 

Ok, update: got back out there and gave myself a little more room to get the axle straighter, also put some grease on the clip and oriented correctly. Then i pushes from the outside instead of underneath and it slid in like butter.
Finally got it buttoned up and test drive was ok. No leaks and no vibes.

 

Also consider the new C-clips on the splines will be tighter. In all my years of pulling and replacing my CV axles, I have never used a new clip nor have I ever had an issue. (That's just me)

 

I prefer to not use tools when putting the CV in. I grab the end of the CV and ensure the splines are lined up. Then I will use a light pull (to not seperate joints inside) and a firm push. I will do this repeatedly with force on the push and they go right in after 2-3 tries.

 

I agree with Andrew again... the crow bar is the easiest tool to use to get it out also. Just make sure to to put the straight end in the gap next to the differential and pry cv axle out towards the wheel or outside of the truck. If you pull the pry bar towards the wheel you are prying against the metal plate protecting the diff seal.... not good it will dent and potentially damage the seal. So again put the pry bar in the gap and pull the curved end of the pry bar towards the center of the truck levering the cv axle out towards it's own wheel and it will pop right out.