My front left CV joint boot got ripped to shreds and i got a lot of sand and gravel in my CV Joint. So now I have to Replace my CV joint, but the problem is that I can't get my half-shaft out of my CV joint. I looked at www.partsland.com, and their oem breakdowns show that there's a clip in the CV joint that holds it in, but I can't see the clip, and if there is a clip how do you get it out?

 

Yes there is a clip, way in there. Get as much grease out as you can. The clip must be spread open. I have found this easies to do by using the tip of a set of (closed) needlenose and turning to open it. Also a screwdriver sometimes works. Then, while holding the clip open, tap the joint off with a hammer. This requires at least 4 hands. If you dont have them, ask a friend to help.

Once you see the clip it makes more sense. This is the most frustrating part. Even after having done it 6 times, sometimes it comes right off, some times it takes me almost half an hour on this one step. If you get frustrated walk away and try again later, it is one of things that can make you Really really mad.

The clip is in there, search the whole perimeter of the shaft right where it meets the joint. Eventually you will see the two flat parallel tabs through the grease.