I'm assuming you were trying to remove the cv to put a new boot on correct? If that is the case, you shouldnt have to disassemble the joint. What I do is clamp the axle shaft in a bench vise, use a leather glove or something around it to keep from damaging the shaft. Then I take a small punch, 1/4" diameter or so, and hammer to knock the whole joint assembly off the shaft. Just hit the spur gear inside the joint, the 6 point star looking part, do your best not to hit the cage that goes around the balls it may take a few good hard hits but normally they will come off. Also its the sudden hit from the hammer that will collapse the small clip on the shaft that hold the joint on, so I don't reccommend trying to use a press! I try to keep a few of the small clip rings in my spare parts in the garage, because on older well used axles I have broken the clip when the joint comes off. Hopefully you wont break yours.

 

In case you do need a clip, here is the part number. Polaris part# 1332542
Expensive as hell, but I have yet to find an aftermarket alternative for that particular size.
I also try to keep a few of the clips where the axle goes into the front diff, they tend to wear pretty quick. Polaris part# 1332539.

 

I didn't think you could do it that way because the video I watched had a snap ring on the back side that you had to use snap ring pliers on to get it off. I already ordered a new axle but will go back and see if I can get it to pop off like you said.

 

Some aftermarket axles do have the snap ring you are talking about, I have some 8Ten axles that do. But the oem Polaris axles have the round circlips.

 

I tried knocking it off like you said but it won't budge. Oh well, I already ordered a new axle so it looks like the beast is sitting on jack stands for the next week or so. Thanks for your help Clothier

 

That sucks. My dealer has the pneumatic fast boot tool that stretches the boot out enough to fit around the whloe cv joint, I've used it several times to keep from disassembling the axles to replace boots. You may want to ask your local shops to see if they have anything like that.