This question is for a friend of mine, 01XC70, who has just joined but is waiting for posting permission.

By sibling edict, I am in the process of removing the right rear CV half shaft assembly on my 2001 XC70 2.4L Volvo (outer boot was torn and flinging grease onto the surrounding components). I have removed/disassembled the various components such as the brake caliper and brake disk, screw for the drive shaft/wheel hub, spring strut from the lower control arm, anti-roll bar from the upper control arm, tie rod from the wheel spindle and the screw holding the mounting for the lower control arm to the sub-frame.

At this point (after rotating the spindle up and out of the way) I have enough access to pull straight out (by grabbing hold of the outer joint) on the CV half shaft. I thought this would be the final step and I would be able to just pull on the half shaft and the inner spline of the inner CV joint would just "pop out" from the rear differential.

BUT

When I pulled directly outboard on the half shaft, I encounter enough resistance to where I became concerned that if I pulled any harder on the half shaft, I would risk doing damage to a hidden seal, bushing, and/or bearing.

I am looking for some sage advice and guidance as to how the inner spline of the CV half shaft is retained inside the rear differential (some type of circlip, or locking ring,) so I can safely judge how much pulling force (pry, wedge or whack) is acceptable/necessary before I ruin my differential.

I did see a recent thread on this same subject but the discussion centered on the front wheels of the author's car.

 

Looks like there is a clip on the axle inner joint that holds it in. They show a special tool that slides between the inner part of the axle and the diff. I would slide a pry bar between the axle and diff and pop it out.

 

Oh and BTW PM me your friends user name so I can check on the account.

 

Tech,
That was exactly how the Rt. Rear half shaft inner spline was configured (clip on the spline). I used 2 pry bars, one on each side (just to be sure I didn't side load the shaft and damage "stuff" inside the differential) and it just "popped out."
Thanks for the sage advice.

 

Glad it went well for you.