Removal of rear outer CV joint (avant/sedan)

[Kroegarn]

I´m in the process of changing the outer CV joint boot at the rear on my S2 avant. Could not see any snap ring and tried the "bolt trick" and it was a bit of resistance and finally it gave in, but what happened was that there WAS a snap ring and I torn the CV joint into pieces

Luckily I had a set of rear drive shafts from a S4 (C4) with same type of outer CV joints. BUT I just can not get that annoying little snap ring to surrender.... using screw drivers, pliers and what not

What is the correct AND time saving procedure for removing the rear CV joint?

[sam80quattro]

smack it off with a hammer... seriously

[andy10v]

If I have navigated correctly then this

http://elsaweb.spaghetticoder.org/doc/A.en-GB.8C-FA-FA/20843452/2

[Kroegarn]

Tnx for that link... then I´m at least trying to do it correct... but f**k me how time consuming and fiddling to get that little circlip to not stick on somewhere around the driveshaft groove.

Will drop it off at the local mechanic today, just to keep my sanity