CV joint outer replacement - circlip question

[xcentric]

So have removed the old cv joint, and am rebuilding the axle with the new one.  Thrist washer and spacer fitted, but with the new circlip in the shaft groove, it seems impossible to get the new cv joint over it and onto the shaft.  In trying it seems to be pushing the circlip off and seems to me it might break it and leave a bit of metal or two inside the joint causing a problem, which I won't be able to see.  I can fit with without the circlip - is it okay to do this? I can't see what the circlip holds in particularly, especially once the driveshaft is reattached to the wheel.....

[Clarky]

I did both drive shafts/all 4 joints recently and I just gave the cv a tap with a copper hide mallet and it slid right over the clips.

[LC5F]

Those CV circlips are complete *****s!
Brand new genuine tend to be really tight - aftermarket look imposible...
To avoid stress / heart ache, my secret is I cheat and use the old ones, they came off, so they should go back on + softened up.

[xcentric]

thanks all.  Have reassembled without but my friendly mechanic says that's no good, so will remove and put circlip on.  May well use the old one -the new is bent and I don't think is sensible.  Will need a new axle bolt too.....

[LC5F]

Yes - no circlip is a definite no-no

[pudding]

Yup. The circlips stop the driveshaft wandering too much on full lock, and dropping out of the CVs.

As above, a tap with a hammer should do it, but hammer onto the old driveshaft bolt as to not damage the CV threads.

You also need to hammer the CV onto the shaft square.  You can pop the CV into the knuckle to help with the alignment, otherwise it can be a right faff keeping it straight.