Before you run out there, you'll need a hub press to get the CV head out of the flange. It's a simple device, easy to make.

 

you can't just use a piece of pipe and a ball peen to drive it out? What about the hub bearing, how much of a pain in the ass is that gonna be if I have to replace it? Any specialty tools required for it?

 

You can beat it out, however chances are good that you'll damage the threads and knock the bearing loose damaging it. Changing the bearing in the rear with the control arm on the car will require a tool called the Hub Shark, I use it mostly on VWs at the shop (BMW bearings under normal use seem to last forever)

You cannot pull the hub flange out with out ripping the bearing apart and if you do you'll need a bearing splitter to press the race off the flange. You can notch it with a buzz wheel and crack it with a chisel but that dangerous, risky and not to mention it sucks. The bearing itself is pressed into the control arm and held in place with a large C-clip. It's a bit of a bitch in the field, but the right tools you'll save yourself a lot of unnecessary drama. The inner C/V is cake ,a 4 square or (12 point) bit, a light hammer and 5 min and no problem.


P.S. Get ALL the dirt out of the bolt head before you try to crack it loose, you do not want to strip these bolts!

 

Cool man... I'll see what I can do, I was looking at it earlier today and I think a closet dowel would work perfectly for knocking out the axle. It wouldn't damage the threads as it's softer that the steel being wood and all and it fits into the hub. I hope the bearing is good and I only have to deal with the cv. Thanks as usual buddy.