on the outer joint where the driveshaft goes in to joint is there a circlip or snap ring??? that holds the shaft in place

 

yes
theres a small circlip

 

Horrible little grease covered nasty black circlip yes

 

cheers guys lol@ nuts

 

You will know what I mean when you come to remove it

 

Once you've done a few its easy enough.

You'll need some proper circlip pliers though to make it easy, as you have to lever the clip open being as it locks into a groove in the shaft.

I have to do it with a normal pair of pliers, circlip pliers are on my shopping list Ive got the knack now though

 

all done new CV boots both sides what a messy job, u were right NUTS horrible little grease covered nasty black circlips cheers for the info guys