2000 A-6 Twin Turbo V-6 Driver CV Boot replacement

I am in the process of trying to remove and replace a torn CV boot on the driver side front axle.
I was able to remove the center bolt which is a 17mm allen head (not 27mmas I was told) but I have two (2) ball joints on the bottom of the control arm, one faces down and one faces up.
I am beginning to think this is a Dealer Only repair job.
I rented a ball joint removal tool and it is much to large to get anywhere near the ball joints.
I have the traditional pickle fork but do NOT want to use it as I think it will spoil the joint and I was hoping to reuse the old joints. Mileage is 60K so not ready to replace the entire axle assembly.
Am I missing something here or is this beyond the realm of do it yourself?
IF I get the ball joints off, how will I seperate the rotor from the CV joint so I can slide the new boot on?
Desperately need help as it is wife's car and is now in the garage up on jack stands and she can't drive it.
Thanks
Kurt

 

Here's a tech article from another forum that provided a detailed DIY overview of CV boot replacement. CV Boot DIY

 

The upper links or the tie rod is much easier to remove. On some of the a6's you dont even have to remove the suspension. You can just turn the wheel far enough to one side to slide out the axle.

 

I am screwed.
I followed the article and was able to swing the axle out to expose the CV joint but no way can I get the CV Joint off the axle. I have a 2 and 3 jaw gear puller and using a 1/2 drive breaker bar cannot get the CV joint to come over the "circlip" that is supposedly holding it on. I am wondering if this particular model may not be able to have the CV joint removed and must be replaced as an entire axle. It's a 2000 A-6 Quatro twin turbo V-6.
It's my wife's car and it is now totally undrivable. I can't even get it to shop to have them fix my screwup. I have the old boot off but can't get the CV joint off to put the new boot on.
Any help or suggestions appreciated.
Thank you,
Kurt

 

no circlip on this one, hold the drive shaft and push it in toward the gearbox then using a rubber mallet hammer the CV joint off the ring clip is internal and just snaps out then does the same when putting it back on the shaft

 

lots of tips here I don't have time to go through them all but you can
http://images.google.co.uk/images?q=...+removal&hl=en

 

Thanks to all for the much needed help.
I finally was able to get old joint off and new on is on however the clip for the large end of the boot is much to small. Looks like someone may have previoulsy purchased this kit and returned it. Will need to buy a larger clip tomorrow to hold on the large end of the rubber boot. Then ready to try and reinsert the axle to the wheel, and bolt everything back together.
Avant: I looked at the links you provided. Very helpful as I have never done front wheel drive work before and am new to the Audi. Thank you for your help.

One more question: I have heard the front wheel center bolt (17 mm Allen head) should be 90 ft lbs and also 147ft lbs. Does anyone have a manual that states the correct torque for this bolt?
Thanks,
Kurt

 

17 - Hex bolt

Always replace after disassembly
Vehicle must not be raised when tightening

Tightening torques:

Bolt M14:
115 Nm plus additional 180(1/2 -turn)

Bolt M16:
190 Nm plus additional 180(1/2 -turn)

 

MPW 2.7T
I know this must sound stupid but how do I know if I have an M14 or an M16 bolt since the torque value is so significantly differentfor each?
I only know that it is a 17mm allen head.

Thank you,
Kurt

 

That refers to the nominal diameter of the bolt, either 14 mm or 16 mm.