And I quote: "Tap out the inner CV joint..."

[dan.oneufer]

I'm replacing the CV boots on my '03 S and I'm going along just fine...until I get to the step that states "Tap out the inner CV joint using a piece of wood or plastic to avoid damaging it". I've removed the circlip securing the joint to the shaft but in spite of repeated 'tapping'. I am unable to budge the joint. I've used some firm 'taps', enough to fracture several types of wood, including a section from a hockey stick (I've seen the Red Green show, so I know auto repair is a sanctioned use of a hockey stick).

I was wondering if there is a flange that the joint sits against and that maybe I'm tapping against that flange, as I'm holding the wood along the length of the shaft. I don't see any obvious separation between the shaft and the joint.

Would heating it help and if so, where should I concentrate the heat to do the least amount of damage to the otherwise good joint.