Hello all,

I've got the trans axle off from the hub and now I need to slip off the outer CV joint for replacement.

One problem: The technique shown for spreading the retainer clip (slip a screw driver between the clip and spread the clip)doesn't work for me.

I've tried the screw driver, I've tried retainer clip pliers, I've tried a needle nose pliers. I spread the retainer clip, then at the same time pounded the CV joint (I'm replacing the joint).

Any help is greatly appreciated.

The way I do it may or may not help you much but here goes anyhow.

With the axle removed and in a vice and the boot pulled back or removed so you can access the circlip:

1) Take a pocket screwdriver and see if you can push the circlip back and forth in it's groove. If it does not move freely then you need to move the outer joint in one direction or the other until it frees it up.
2) Once it is free take a pair of circlip speader pliers and spread the clip.
3) With the pliers holding the clip spread open take an air hammer with a flat bit in it and GENTLY apply it to the inner knuckle of the joint. This will get it started so the circlip cannot re-engage the groove in the shaft.
4) Now just go ahead and remove the outer joint and get it done.

Hope some of it helps,
Mark

Thanks Mark. I like the detail of your reply. Makes sense to me.