Clamp the outer CV housing in a vice (wrap a towel around the splines and clamp it by the shaft), then slide the axle shaft into the center "Star" piece of the CV joint and angle the star as far as possible to the side opposite one of the balls you are trying to release. Remove the axle and then use a punch to tap the star down further in the same direction until the ball is free. Tap it back to center and repeat until all of the balls are removed.
All the tapping needs to be at the outer tip of each start point, but be careful not to cause a burr on the edge.
If all you are needing is to place the outer CV housing back in the wheel bearing to keep it from coming apart, just use a bolt and a couple of washers. Then you can keep your axles sealed until you need to reinstall them. A 4" long 1/2" bolt with a couple of washers that are 1 3/4" OD works well.
[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 08-17-2013).]
