Thanks for all the input. I ended up using 2 chisels wedged up both sides of the axle. By hammering them up alternately a bit at a time it finally sprung loose. After close examining the cv joint it was also leaking grease out of the boot.
Thanks again for your help!

I'm having trouble getting the left front( drivers side) axle out. Is there a trick to pulling out of the trans/diff housing? I tried the pry bar to pop it out but all that did is break the pry bar.

Is there a trick to removing the driverside axle.

The axles I ordered are New from Empire through Rock auto. I noticed that the rubber is crumbling in the front bushings as well. The car only has 170,000 km but I guess when it's 11 years old rubber breaks down regardless of miles

Yup that's what it is .... Passenger side axle

I'm getting serious vibrations coming from the front end which gets worse under acceleration. I have replaced all 4 hubs and rotors. Tires all rebalanced and no sign of any wear on the axles. When driving down the highway at 110 km (70) in cruise the vibration substantially increases as it climbs an...