Trying to reboot/change out the inner cups on some XT6 axles that I picked up for my five lug swap.

 

Got the boot slid off the transmission end, got the cup off, got the balls and outer race off, got the snap ring off, but can't for the life of me get the darn inner race off the splines.

 

I can get it to come up flush with the end of the splines but no further. I've already read Numbchux's USRM article on this subject, but no mention of these inner races sticking at all.

 

I did try lightly tapping on the race towards the off end of the splines with a deadblow hammer, but I was skittish about dinging up the race or the splines.

 

Any advice or should I just try hitting it harder/find a press?

Perhaps try to dress up any burrs on the the splines at the end of the shaft with a small triangular file.

D'oh, didn't even think to look for that sort of thing. My millwright brethren would be ashamed! I'm sure that it's just that I was discouraged by the large amount of GOOP on everything. I'll give her another swing come morning.