So, I’m replacing my drivers side front left half shaft due to it failing on the road. I managed to pull out the part connected to the wheel hub and the shaft. However, when I pulled the shaft, it tore the boot on the inner section, closest to the transmission casing.

I cannot get it out the remaining hexagonal type looking piece. I have tried a couple of different things to try and pry it out, but I am worried that I may damage the small lip on the transmission casing. I bought a small sledge thingy to try to leverage it out, but no luck. The snap ring is really holding it in there very well. Any tips to get it out?

I cannot exactly lift it higher than about 2.5 feet off the ground with my garage jack, and I just moved from Alaska to Seattle, so space for working on your own car is non-existent.

I failed to take a photo but I may take one if I get down there again soon.

 

They can be a bear. I had luck putting outward tension on it with a ratchet strap and then tapping with a pry bar & hammer.

 

^ I was just going to suggest the same. Wrap it good and tight so the strap will not slip.

 

We applied tension with a winch and one good smack from a 3 lb finishing hammer saw it shoot loose

 

I did not think of a ratchet strap!! Awesome, I’ll try that

 

I have used a slide hammer with an attachment for vice grips/locking pliers.

 

Cool. Didn’t know that was a thing. I’ll check it out if the ratchet strap doesn’t work

 

 

Hey, the slide hammer worked!

i had an issue with the steering knuckle ball joints. Do they need to be pressed in when you reattach them? It came out of the mount and the wheel came off, basically ripping out all the work I just did.

 

Steering knuckle? Not sure what you are talking about.