I slide the axle vertically into my vice and have the joint resting on
top of the vice.  You dont tighten up the vice, its just used to support
the joint while the axle hangs down freely.  The I hit the center of the
axle (not the joint) with a hammer and using a socket of about the same
diameter or smaller than the axle.  Hammer and gravity pervail and the
axle slides out.  Although I dont recall mine being as tough as yours.

d

Scott Terry wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I'm servicing CV joints on my '85 rwd Vanagon.  I have the driveshaft
> out of
> the van but I'm having real difficulty separating one of the CV joints from
> the driveshaft (yes, I have removed the retaining clip).
>
> The last time I did this job I found some of the old joints difficult to
> remove (using a drift and mallet) and at least one of the new joints
> (probably this one) extremely difficult to drive back on to the shaft.
> Putting a lot of might into a 3lb sledge with blows directed against the
> inner race are only moving the joint about 1/8" down the shaft.  Then it
> starts to get a little cockeyed and I have to start pounding the joint in
> the other direction (i.e. back onto the shaft)to straighten it out.  At
> this
> point I can't imagine hitting it any harder! Have any of you had to resort
> to using a puller?  Is there a generic cv puller or is this a special VW
> tool?
>
> It is pretty frustrating to read in the archives that some people's
> experience is to have the joint practically slide right off the shaft!
>
> Well, I'm stuck.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
> Thanks,
> Scott T. (SGTinSB@hotmail.com)
> '85 Westy "Pearl"
> Mineapolis
>
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