Removing CV Axles

I have trouble popping the inner tulip out of the differential. FSM says tap in a screwdriver between diff and CV. So first I tried prying and tapping it out. No go. I damaged the soft differential casing on driver's side. But, I've seen prying work easy on videos. Then I tried a slide puller with special CV joint removal tool. That worked OK on driver's but damaged the dust seal. The tool didn't fit into gap on pass side. Resorted to impact hammer which then mildly damaged the tulip.

This time, I used the slide hammer again but strapped it snug to the tulip with hose clamps. Had to pound pretty firmly but it worked. Only challenge is getting underneath the axle to tighten the clamps. But, no damage.

What other tricks are there? I have searched and understand that for some people this is a trail-side fix. One video wrapped some 1/8" wire rope between the joint and a wood chopping axe. I don't think we can get wire rope behind the joint. Others try vice grips, which I forgot to mention, slid off for me.

This pic shows pass side out with residual dust seal damage from earlier removal attempts.

 

I Made a tool out of a cold chisel and piece of pipe a few good whacks it popped right out .


This is now my go to method

This tool works great for stubborn Bell Housings and Blocks as well

 

although I haven't had to do it I heard there's actaully a c clip where the teeth are to meet the gears. from what I understand the opening portion of that clip has to be pointing down for it to come out easy.
So pry bar between the CV and diff and pry a little and keep turning until you feel it give.

install is the reverse, clip has to be down.

 

Use one of these:


And a hammer. Deadblow works well.

Smack lightly. If it doesn't pop out turn the tulip 15° smack again lightly and itll eventually pop out.

 

This is the best method, if you have trouble smack it a time or two and rotate it. To install you can’t smack it in. Sounds stupid but put it in as much as you can and do the jerk off method and it pops right in. Sounds stupid but when you do it you will see and it will make sense.

 

Just removed my drivers side shaft to replace the needle bearing with an ECGS bushing and 100% agree on the "give it a couple of taps, if it doesn't move, rotate to the next flat spot and tap it again" method. Mine came out very easily once the clip is lined up.

 

Thanks everybody. It seems that rotating the axle and getting that clip aligned right is as important coming out as going in.

 

What's the proper way to install axle.
I hear some say use the flex of the CV as a sort of hammer to get it back in or hammer the end with dead blow?

 

i used a thin tie down strap and a mini sledge for a simple slide hammer effect. just wrap the tow strap around the back of the tulip then tie it to the sledge. yank a few times and it should pop out