That shaft has to be removed completely to remove the 4 bolts holding the hub in place. If you are trying to pound the shaft back, use a 36mm socket over the nut (threaded by several threads, at least half the nuts thickness) and pound on the socket or an extention before taking a chance of seriously damaging the shafts threads or you'll be very sorry. The 2 lower control arm bolts must be removed from where they attach to the subframe in order to get enough clearance to remove the axle shaft.