I searched for CV joint replacement, and found nothing about the stupid snap ring. I also looked at the tech manual, it just says something like "remove the CV axle shaft" or something along those lines.
Wow, I just looked at the CV boot how to, strikingly similar to what I came up with on my without any guidance...lol. Rework, gotta love it. I am curious to know how the CV joint came out without removing the calipers or the tie rod. I could not get near enough clearance without doing that, and mine was missing the last 2 inches of the CV shaft!! He also didn't mention removing the hub and the outer snap ring? Plus the ABS sensor is kind of a PITA since it is the most limiting component. The 1st time I did this I had to take the wire our of all the brackets and disconnect the harness. This time, I just cut them
I think the big difference is that those are just boot swaps, you don't have to pull the whole CV out to do that. Mine was for replacing the entire CV joint.
Well, that write up is clearer than mine, and skips a lot of the things I did, such as removing calipers to minimize stress on the brake lines, and saves chance of tie rod end damage when breaking it loose. I will try again when I do the other side. Although, I have to replace the ball joints anyway.
Thanks Jack for the heads up.
(As I humbly walk away with my head hanging low and tail between my legs.)