Help with Mazda cv shaft replacement (1 Viewer)

[72FJ40LandCruiser]

I've got a 93 Mazda MX3 that needs the driver's side cv shaft replaced. I replaced the one on the passenger side 4 or 5 years ago with no problems. I got everything disassembled, the strut out of the way, etc. I put a slide hammer with a 3 jaw attachment on there and hammered like crazy on it and it wouldn't budge. I mean I worked on it for hours, too. I don't remember there being any problems with the passenger side, but is there something that I'm missing? Some type of retainer? The new one just has an expandig circlip that would fit in a groove in the tranny but it looks like it would easily compress. Can somebody give me a couple tips? I don't want to take it to a shop, but I'm getting pretty frustrated with it.

 

[gladly]

i've never tried to take an axle shaft out with a slide hammer, usually get a long prybar in there and pop it out, (I have never done anything at all with any mazda though.)
so I googled mazda mx3 tech, any it looks like i'm right, pry, don't pull.
http://www.mx-3.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=53813
and maybe found you a helpful tech resource.
I think it's because the prying gives slightly uneven pressure, which allows the circlip to deflect enough to compress

 

[72FJ40LandCruiser]

I got so damn fed up today. I gave it another shot and tried pry bars again. I was getting about 6-7" flex out of a 24" prybar so you know I was giving it hell. I didn't have anybody to help me, so I pryed from the top and stuck a brick between the prybar and the fender to keep pressure on it, again flexed about 6". Then I got underneath and tryed prying more. Never did work. I ended up leaving the stub in there, and cutting the boot clamp on the new shaft and sticking the new joint in the old stub. Of course I cleaned it out well and put more grease in it, and then I put a hose clamp on the boot to keep it on and dirt and water out. Sure not the best scenario, but that SOB was just not going to come out. At least I'm done with it and won't have to worry about my CV joints exploding on me.