Has anyone ever tried replacing the inboard CV boot on a 2003 C320 4Matic? How do you get the axle (inboard end) out of the transmission? There is NO room at all to get a small pry bar in or any tool at all to work it out or pop it out. It's impossible to overcome that small clip's resistance on the endspline by just using your hands. Anyone?

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There is a cable type remover that looks like a dog collar that might be helpful. You also can get what looks like a crows foot wrench that fits on a slide hammer.

Have a look here. Inner CV Joint Puller - ZIMBER

It does not take much pressure to remove a snap clip type axle, where the pressure is applied is critical.

Using regular tools, lightly pry behind the axle joint then, 180 out, strike the axle joint. The light pry gets the clip against the groove and the impact pops it through the groove.

Sometimes joints have grooves on the outside that you can pry against.

You can loan out the puller and slide hammer from Autozone.

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Prost!

Thanks for the tips. I always forget that Auto Zone rents tools. I rented that crowsfoot puller with the slide hammer. The key is to remove the motor mount that sits just in front of the halfshaft (on the passenger side). My next problem is the inboard boot. It has no crimp clamp like the outboard boot has. I cannot figure out how to get the inboard boot onto the axle end with the splines that goes into the transmission (I'm blanking out on the name right now). The metal ring on the boot is too small to fit over axle end. The WIS says you're supposed to "crimp" it onto the axle endpiece. Impossible, it won't fit. I have checked the part number 5 times with the MB EPC and it matches up to the VIN every time.

The old torn inboard boot has no metal ring built into it like the new part does. Was there a TSB somewhere? I looked and found none. I have to call the dealer tomorrow. Anyone have any insight?

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