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This is a 2007 Toyota Tacoma.
I removed the outer CV joint from the rotor but am unable to pull the inner one out of the differential. I tried three different pry bars unsuccessfully. Do I need a special tool or am I using a wrong pry bar, or using it wrongly?
The inner joint can be a PITB, but you are going about it the right way. Here's an image of what it looks like in the splined side of the inner:
On the end of it, there's the small ring. It is what holds the axle securely in place. To get it out, is just a matter of applying the right amount of pressure in the right direction. The ring has to compress, and the axle comes out. I can tell you don't be afraid to apply some force, because it will take some. A prybar is usually your best bet. You just need to find the leverage point between the two parts (like wedging it off of one of the protruding bolts) so as to get the ring collapsed.
These are usually held in by a split ring that goes into a socket and the ring expands and retains the shaft.
Yes, they can be difficult to remove. I've found that it often takes a quick/sharp shove to get the ring to snap out. Be sure you are resting the pivot of the pry bar on something solid like one of the bolt heads and not the housing.
Short, sharp shock will remove it. But you need to do it in two opposing places. Get ready to be showered in fluid if you can't drain first. That's happened a few times to me!
