GTR R33 - Removing Rear Propshaft (Front Part)

[proline]

I am trying to remove the front part of the rear propshaft on a GTR R33

I've removed the 4 flange bolts where the propshaft connects to the transfer box (blue arrow in diagram) and all 6 cap head bolts in the CV joint (red arrow in diagram).

I can not get the CV joint to separate from the rear part of the propshaft. My understanding was that if I pulled down on the disconnected flange of the propshaft (blue arrow in diagram) then the CV joint should just fall away. Unfortunately all that happend was the CV dust cover popped off and a bloody great big ball bearing fell out - the CV joint however stays attached to the rear part of the propshaft. I've also tried tapping it with a hammer and levering it off with a screw driver - unfortunately there is no gap for the screw driver to obtain any leverage.

I've tried searching the forum but it seems that after removal of the 6 cap head bolts the CV joint normally pulls away with ease.

Help please!

[White GTS-T]

Give it a love tap with a soft faced hammer/rubber mallet 

[Duncan]

I've never removed the front half of the tailshaft, it sounds like you've separated the centre/hanger bearing.

I'd undo the rear half at the diff, then the 2 bolts for the centre bearing hanger, then take it to a driveshaft shop to properly replace the centre bearing while it is out.....they are all badly worn by this age anyway

[proline]

2 hours ago, Duncan said:

it sounds like you've separated the centre/hanger bearing

Isn't that the centre bearing marked with the green arrow? As I said in my post it is the CV joint marked ith the red arrow that is the issue.

In the end I tapped the propshaft at the location and direction of the yellow arrow and the CV joint basically split in 2 at the dust cover join leaving half of it still welded to the rear part of the propshaft (see photos).

Although not ideal it suits my purposes (gearbox removal) so will do for now.

I would still like to remove the remainder of the CV joint from the rest of the propshaft for reassembly before re-install but is seems  like it’s welded in place. Other than keep bashing it with a large hammer I’m not sure what to do next.

 

[GTSBoy]

Just take the whole tailshaft out and reassemble it on the floor. I would have never attempted to split the CV for a gearbox removal. The whole tailshaft is like 10 minutes extra work.