I got a 99 sportsman 500 and need to replace the left rear axel I got the tire off and pulled the hub off the axel, but I can't get the axel to pull out what is the trick?
On the new axel their is a squash ring around the splines but I can't figure out how to compress it I assume that it compresses by itself when the axel is pulled out, but how the heck do you pull it???
Any help would be great.

 

To remove the axle you need to disconnect the outer control arms from the aluminum hub assy. Once removed just give the axle a sharp tug and it should come loose. Failing that place a large screw driver (2 is better, 180 deg apart) between the cv and the transmission and pry it out. Some times the splines get corroded and removing the shaft becomes a little more difficult than normal.

 

How much pressure is ok to apply to the transmission without bending/breaking the cover?
Thank you for the reply

 

Hello,
I just ran into the same problem. Are you sure the bolt is loose that holds the yoke onto the splines? I found out that while I was turning the bolt that the bolt on the opposite shaft was turning as well.I had to put a wrench on both bolts and loosen them. The
shaft came right off then.I hope this helps.

 

I must admit I was amiss not asking whether your rear drive shaft is cv joints or universals, I assumed cv's. The U joints have a bolt that runs through from one side to the other and as bowhunter1 found out the opposite bolt will turn if not held.
Your's being a 99 I'm pretty sure it is cv joints and in that case they just pull out of the transmission. They do have a snap ring in there to hold them in place but they are supposed to come free with a good yank (no pun intended). Yours is most likely rusted in place. Try spaying liberal amounts of penetrating oil (not WD40) in behind the cv joint and leave it for several days (make sure it stays wet by repeated sprayings).
Another approach could be to remove the opposite side first that way you should have access to the end of the splined stub shaft in which case you can tap it out with hammer and a wooden drift.