How do I remove front axle in Triton?

[flylux]

Hi. I have a 2002 Mk which I'm in the process of overhauling front suspension bushes, cv boots, front wheel bearings and couple of uni joints.
At this point RH steering knuckle is off, cv removed.
I discovered a flogged out bearing at the end of the front right hand axle housing. To replace it, it looks like I need to remove the axle. I popped the front off the diff pumpkin to expose the inner end of the axle which is held in by a kind of circlip. This is where I hit the wall. I cannot get the circlip off.

Anyone done this before?

[-Scott-]

It should be a "snap clip" that will pop back into its groove when enough force is applied along the axle - either pull the axle from the wheel end, or lever it out from the diff end (which is what I had to do to remove my LH front years ago).

[flylux]

Okay, I did try that, but I'll give it a decent go this time.
Also, shouldn't the left hand CV just pull out of the diff? If so, Its a bit stuck.

[-Scott-]

Okay, I did try that, but I'll give it a decent go this time.
Also, shouldn't the left hand CV just pull out of the diff? If so, Its a bit stuck.

On my NJ, It's the same arrangement with the clip. If you've got the front cover off the diff, can't you see the clip?

[flylux]

Can only see the clip on the right one. The left has a little more spliined shaft showing in the centre of the diff (than the right one) but no clip visible.
I'll try and give them both a good crack tomorrow.
I've done the cv boots before but don't remember having any trouble removing the left cv.

[bakerboy]

the left is hit and miss in terms of removal, first time i couldnt remove and left it for the diff rebuild guys to do it, next time when i twisted the splines it just came out straight away, i found installing it harder