Reverse the above steps to get things back together. If not, the CV boots will be absorbing the hammer blows and the snap ring will not be compressed. The internal CV bearing must be seated against the CV bearing cup before striking the shaft. Ensure that the CV nut is on the shaft to prevent damage to the threads. Push the shaft towards the transmission (which should compress the inner and outer CV boots), and have your buddy strike the end of the axle shaft gently to get the CV snap rings to compress and move through the transmission’s differential spline. With an extra pair of hands, align the axle (including the outer CV bearing cup) positioned straight towards the transmission.
After positioning the bearing cup, place the transmission back into "park" to prevent the shaft from moving.
The transmission must be in neutral to rotate the shaft. Rotate the axle shaft until one of the lips or ears on the CV bearing cup is pointing up.Remove the Axle Shaft From the Transmission Differential