Outer CV Joint won't come off! HELP!

Hello,

I'm in the process of renewing the outer CV boots on my Rivage (late '91 car with 100mm flanges).

The n/s outer joint came off with a couple of good whacks and was relatively easy to do. For the avoidance of doubt, it had the spring clip thing on the very outer edge of the shaft.

The o/s shaft outer joint (drives side - this is the thicker, longer drive shaft) isn't budging at all. As far as I can tell it hasn't got a circlip and is the same as the n/s shaft/joint. I've literally been smashing the joint with a huge hammer for an hour and it's not moving at all. Any tips or pointers please? I'm highly frustrated.

Not really apart from maybe hitting it with 2 hammers, on opposite sides at the same time.

Hold the drive shaft in a vice and then hold the cv straight in line with the drive shaft, use a rubber mallet as a metal hammer will damage the cv joint. Give it a good hard wack and it should come off.

Thanks guys.

Where should I be hitting? I've been hitting the inner bearing face as close to the shaft as possible. 

I hit the outer edge as there is less chance of any damage happening as it's the strongest part of the CV joint, as already mentioned make sure it's straight and slightly pull on the end of the CV joint while hitting it.
Is the drive shaft off the car?
There is a picture about 3/4 page down with a red circle and a screw driver pointing at it. that's where I hit mine for reference.
Axle is busted, replaced.... now what's that noise? | VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
 

Sacrifice the outer CV joint to get it off and look to not damage the driveshaft. If you need to replace the boots, I'm guessing due to a split, then it probably has dirt/gravel in there anyway so its suspect.

You could try a chisel near the centre section, I imagine hitting the outer will just bounce because the metal will act as a spring, absorb the hammer blows and bend around.

If you're confident enough then you may be able to hit it powerfully enough with a large mallet and smash the outer bearing cage away or something. It sounds like something's distorted, so that it won't come off with normal hammer blows. It will be tough work cutting it off with a grinder because it will be hardened steel.

Got it off! 

Went and bought two hefty dead blow hammers. And with the help of mate, the two of us whacking it at the same time. 

It took some serious force to get off. I feel like I've got tennis elbow! 

I was prepared to sacrifice the joint but once removed, ddisassembled and cleaned, on inspection it was mint. Original CV joint and original Cv boot. The boots weren't even split, just cracked and worn - been an advisory on the past two MOT's so thought best to get them swapped. To be fair they would have lasted another few years. I think it was the typical old car best find something silly so it looks legit on the MOT. 

Finally, nice job.  
With a little help from your friends!