I need to change the rear outer (wheel side) CV boot on an 03 Sportsman. I have the clamps off of the boot. How do you split the drive shaft from the axle shaft to get the boot on and off. I see the splined drive shaft going into the center of a plate that is part of the CV joint. I can't see how to get them apart.

 

there is a c clip in there you have to squeeze in i do beleave. very hard to see w/ it covered in grease. look at my pics and you'll see what im talking about. im not sure if thats the outer one or inboard one but roughly the same princleable.

 

clean all the grease from the joint and turn it till u find the groove. you must spread the clip open enough (you really have to sread it wide open) to tap the joint off. an extra hand works well here. if you can pull the shaft assy off the bike and chuck it up in a vice it is easier. putting it back on is just as much fun too!!

 

why don't u get a universal boot thats split down the middle then u dont have to take joint apart. checkers or auto zone will have it. ask for boot from small import car or bring in one u cut off and size it up. i did this and works great

 

Thanks for the good information. The picture really helped see the clip. Got everything back together. I think I will pick up one of the split boots for a quick repair on the trail.