P500 Front CV axle Disassembly Question

[Jbratt78]

Is there a trick to separating the cv axle shaft from the outer cv joint? The inner is simple, you just remove the retaining ring, slide out the bearing assembly and remove the snap ring. The outer cup has no retaining ring and I can't see a recessed area providing access to an inner clip like on some atvs. Is this just a bigger hammer situation or is there a special puller or other tool? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Hondasxs]

Unfourchently, Honda says the outer joint is not designed to be serviceable.

 

[906UP]

Just buy a new axle, they're $60 on Amazon

https://amazon.com/Caltric-COMPLETE-TRX500FA-TRX500FGA-Rubicon/dp/B01MQERPRZ/?tag=sxsweb24-20

 

[Jbratt78]

Unfourchently, Honda says the outer joint is not designed to be serviceable.

If it goes together, it has to come apart somehow!

 

[Jbratt78]

Just buy a new axle, they're $60 on Amazon

https://amazon.com/Caltric-COMPLETE-TRX500FA-TRX500FGA-Rubicon/dp/B01MQERPRZ/?tag=sxsweb24-20

Because I am doing something completely different that will require a custom length shaft and I need the stock one for R&D purposes. I bought a cheap used one on Ebay for just this purpose but I can't get the damn thing apart so far.

 

[906UP]

Because I am doing something completely different that will require a custom length shaft and I need the stock one for R&D purposes. I bought a cheap used one on Ebay for just this purpose but I can't get the damn thing apart so far.

Ahhh....understood.

 

[Hondasxs]

If it goes together, it has to come apart somehow!

Yep, had a few come part without permission.
Let me see if I can find one and see whats holding it.

 

[lee]

How it goes together (and why you cant take it apart):
The cage is put in at 90* to its normal orientation.
The inner star is inserted - sometimes the cage has a set of larger windows to install the star.
As the cage and star are rotated in to position as the balls are installed.
The axle is inserted, there is a C-clip that snaps in to the holds the axle.
(once the axle is installed, the inner star can not rotate enough to let the balls out)

The C-clip is the problem.
It can take 3,000lb of force to get the C-clip to let go.
Speaking generically, I have heard of people holding the axle and striking the inner star to get it to release.
This is not a honda sanctioned method and can result in damaged parts.

 

[Jbratt78]

How it goes together (and why you cant take it apart):
The cage is put in at 90* to its normal orientation.
The inner star is inserted - sometimes the cage has a set of larger windows to install the star.
As the cage and star are rotated in to position as the balls are installed.
The axle is inserted, there is a C-clip that snaps in to the holds the axle.
(once the axle is installed, the inner star can not rotate enough to let the balls out)

The C-clip is the problem.
It can take 3,000lb of force to get the C-clip to let go.
Speaking generically, I have heard of people holding the axle and striking the inner star to get it to release.
This is not a honda sanctioned method and can result in damaged parts.

Thank you for the information, that is very helpful. I think I know the next step in this little adventure now.