Hi everybody. Just picked up a 98 MPV 4x4 and it has torn outer CV boots, I got the new boots, which came with a new snap ring, so I pulled the Front end apart in hopes of installing them. However, I can't find the snap ring to get the joint off the shaft. My question is, how do I remove the joint from the shaft? Or are these fixed joints that can't be removed. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Sean

 

The snap ring is on thetip of the axle shaft that is currently buried within the outer joint assembly. Mazda recommends taking the inner boot and joint off to gain access to the outer boot. I have had excellent luck in just removing the outer joint without taking the inner one apart.
You will need to secure the axle shaft in a solid anchored vise so that the outer joint is hanging down. Next get a large brass or lead filled plastic hammer and with all the force you can, impact the flat joint surface. This should pop the outer joint right off the shaft. Make sure there is something soft for the outer joint to land on so as not to damage the threaded end. Also make sure that you are not just using a regular sledge hammer as this could cause damage to the joint. Brass one works the best as it is much harder then plastic lead filled ones.