I have removed the LH drive shaft from my 1995 850 so as to replace the boot. But, I am having no success in trying to separate the outer CV joint. The Haynes manual makes the task seem simple, but no matter how I try I can't get the joint apart. I have the drive shaft maounted near vertical in a bench vice fited with some wooden face plates. I have tried using a large screwdriver and later some fine nosed external circlip pliers to spread the internal circclip while someone else bashes the CV joint hub - and for that we have tried using a rubber mallet and also a metal drift (a Phillips head screwdriver which has been cut down to remove the screwdriver head). It is impossible to tell if the clip is being spread clear of the shaft all the way around.

Does anyone have some tips as to the best way to approach this removal task? How does Volvo do it - do they have a special tool - if so, what does it look like?