Rear Wheel Bearing DIY help

[kevinp]

Been following Hayaku's DIY article on CV joint replacement so I could replace the rear wheel bearings on my 2002 3.0i.

Managed to R&R the wheel bearing and drive flange (wheel hub), but I can't seem to get the half shaft seated enough inside the drive flange to get the 36mm nut on the threads. I prepped the splines on both parts, but it's not sliding together.

Any advice? Am I missing some simple trick?

After 3 days of waiting for parts on order and running to the store for new tools, this has been the hardest DIY project I've ever done. And I still have to do the other side...

Thanks !

Kevin