Thanks for your suggestion. Unfortunately, the problem is not a "pulling", but a "pushing". What I am trying to do is drive the axle shaft IN to disengage the splined end (stub) from the hub.
I have seen this done with not a whole lot of effort, but have never done this job myself. Please keep the suggestions and wisdom coming, as I am sure some sort of puller will be needed when I put this all back together again!
