w124 half-shaft replacement without removing everything else?

[Jarod]

Hi again guys.

Had a bit of an issue with my e300d the other day. Thought I'd broken a flex disc (They are bad and I have replacements that will be installed along witg my newfound job...)

But as it turns out the left rear half-shaft snapped off at the hub. The cv joint stayed with the hub/bearing carrier and the shaft appears to have sheared off right before the cv.

Is is possible to remove the half shaft or replace that cv joint without disassembling the entire rear bearing carrier and half the suspension?

Every diy I see seems to be for removing the wheel bearing and has everything coming off. Id rather not do that if I dont have to, as that means more and more work and money going into a rusty 370k car with a leaky head gasket...

What do I have to do?
Thanks.