Auto Parts: 1195 Saturn SC2 axle removal, saturn sc2, hub carrier

Question
Hello
I'm currently in the middle of a clutch replacement and ran into a snag.  I need to remove the axle from the transaxle on the left side and the axle from the intermediate shaft on the right side.  Problem is that I can't get the left side axle out.  I've pried it loose, but it seems like it has been jammed up against the joint leading to the wheel.  I can't get the axle to move any further.  Any suggestions?
On the right side, I see the joint where the axle meets the shaft, but I have no pivot point for a lever to pry the axle off.  How should I get it off?
Thanks for the advice
Bob

Answer
    I'm not sure, but it sounds like you haven't disconnected the axle at the wheel end.  There is an arrangement, using a pinch bolt, that allows you to unbolt the lower ball joint from the hub carrier, then swing the hub carrier up out of the way (wheel, of course, must be off).  This being done, of course, after unbolting the splined shaft of the CV axle assembly.  Slide the spline out of the hub as you move the hub out of the way, and you've got a clear shot to pull the axle out.  The end of the axle in the transmission (or intermediate shaft housing) has a groove cut in it with a split ring resting in the groove.  A little bit of force applied to the housing of the inner joint should pop this right out.  If it is really stubborn, they make a fork-like puller that will fit behind the joint to make removal easier and safer.  This is assuming it is not one of the few foreign-made cars that require you to access the inside and remove a bolt or clip before removing the axle, but they are very rare.  This system was worked out back in the sixties, and almost everybody does it the same way these days.  Prying on the housing can sometimes work, but the metals and surfaces used here are not designed to be pried against, the puller is the best bet if you can borrow or rent one.