Problem separating CV joint

[Older Fossil]

I have a torn outer driver front CV boot. I've been following the repair guide on X5World and have gotten as far as driving the CV star assembly off the axle shaft. I've been using a short socket extension to hammer against the star assembly, but it has shown no signs of moving. It seems like the axle shaft itself is just sliding on splines inside the inner boot and offers no resistance to hammer against. Is this normal? If I decide to replace the inner boot, can I remove it and just slide the axle shaft out? I could then get the CV pressed off the shaft.

This is a 2001 3.0 X5.

Any help GREATLY appreciated!
Art

[Older Fossil]

Update!

After posting, I went out and gave it any try. After a few more hits it looked like the CV joint had moved a little. A few more hits and the CV joint finally came off the shaft. Now I need to wait for my new boot kit to come in (NAPA had to order it) and I can start reassembly.

Art

[X5 in AK]

If it hasn't already, it will come apart with some more banging.
Might as well replace the inner boot as well....

[Ecko]

Glad you got it off brotha!!!!