I am trying to remove my halfshaft from my front differential on a 2003 yamaha big bear. I am having difficulty figuring out how to get the shaft to pull out of the diff. Is there a trick to it or something?

 

I would imagine that there would be either a snap-ring/retaining-clip or retaining plate on the outside of the differential housing, or c-clips inside the carrier if you're talking about the axle shaft. If you're talking about the pinion shaft, It should come out through the inside of the differential after removing the carrier. I've never worked on an ATV differential, but this is how it would be on a car or truck, and how much different could it be? Hope that helps.

 

Im talking about the axle shaft, how do I remove the c-clips inside the carrier?

 

Well, you'd have to remove the entire differential and split it open. Before you do that, I'd make sure that there are internal clips that need removing. Like I said, I'm not all that familiar with ATV differentials, I just thought that I might be able to help. Try posting this in the Yamaha forum.

 

most you have to remove the shock, A-arm, tie rod and when you pull A-arm off you can pull entire half shaft out of differential. Sometimes it has a clicking locking clip on it, which requires you to pry a bit on half shaft then it all the sudden will just pop out. DOESNT require taking differential apart....

 

as kevint said, DO NOT disassemble the diff.

I have a dent puller with a nut that fits on the thread of the axle. a slight tap and the axle comes right out. some people use two screwdrivers, but it is possible to damage something using that technique.

 

sometimes a good yank will do it. ive taken mine off my cat several times. didnt need any special tools. assuming its like the cat's half shafts of course. smae thing to put back on. just pop it on real quick.