I tried the shortcut method but when i got to the point of trying to get the cv joint to come off the spline had no luck. I turned the wheel all the way to the left, (working on front left), and didnt have enough room to beat on the star area to make it come off. I tried using socket extension with hammer to no avail. May try again with bigger hammer...just doesnt seem right beating on an area that gets screwed up by a little dirt and grime.