Thread: How do I strip down the CV joint removed from D3

I haven't done a D3 joint, but that is generally the technique. Having said that, sometimes the joints just will not budge. When replacing joints in the past I have sometimes had to cut the old joint off (obviously not an option when replacing boots).

Here is a fairly good write up with pics. DISCO3.CO.UK - View topic - How To? - Change Front Driveshaft Boots

On the second page there is a post regarding what can happen regarding not being able to get the CV off

I usually just put the shaft vertically in a vice,with the CV that I want to remove pointing to the ground,then hold the stub at the end of the CV with one hand,while using a heavy soft hammer to clout the back of the CV.Haven't had one I couldn't get off,but have had plenty of stubborn ones over the years.

Thanks Wayne. This is a great post and the one I actually referred to when removing it from the car. I missed the comment on the second page regarding removing the joint so thanks for pointing this out. Looks like I will have to persist some more with it and I will set it up in the vice as you have suggested. I appreciate your help, thanks.

I know it may sound like a silly question,but you did remove the circlip before tried hitting anything,because this type of joint should come apart fairly easy

The circlip is usually down in the guts of the joint and can't even be seen when the joint is on the shaft.

The circlip is only there to stop the centre of the plunger joint from coming off the shaft.
Another thought,is that you could just remove the inner plunger joint and just replace the boot on the outer joint,while leaving the outer joint still on the shaft,then just fit a new inner boot and fit the inner plunger joint.

Got it off!! The circlip is on the inside of the shaft so all of the hitting is needed to dislodge it from this....not the best design.....but lots of big whacks did the trick. Everything else was easy and even fitting it back onto the vehicle was easy. Thanks again everyone for your help.