2004 Rhino Rear CV Axle Removal/ Disassembly
 

I have a 2004 Rhino that I am having serious trouble with on the right rear cv axle. I need to replace the boots. After trying for several hours to get the axle out, I decided to try and get the boots on with the shaft in place and just taking one of the joints out. That has eluded me as well. I have tried to get the left side off to beat through the diff to the right side but it is stuck too. I Have tried a heavy slide hammer on the outer joint and neither the joint or the diff side is budging. I have tried beating on the outer cup with various size hammers as well. How does the inner joint come apart? Diagrams show a ring holding it together, much like the front cv joints, but I have the cup and joint cleaned out and I see no retainer ring (the larger 3" ring). I have contemplated taking the diff apart as a last resort, but don't know how I would get it out of the frame with the axles in. Any suggestions? I have watched several videos as well, but all seem pretty generic, and they just pull the axle out like it was nothing.

I just decided to eat the cost and bought the fast boot tool and some fast boots. Should be in Monday and I will try it out. I will let you know how it goes in case anyone is wondering about those products.

Did you have luck with the fast boots and that tool? If you ended up having to go with aftermarket non-'fast' kits, American CV is usually a good bet.

Yes, I did end up buying the tool and it worked out perfectly. I have since use it several times and it sure saves time.