today's date: 5-14-23. Just changed mine on 2006 jeep grand cherokee two days ago. Used a long funnel, trimmed the top to fit the cv joint, then boiled a pot of water, removed from heat and tossed in boot for 20-30 minutes. Worked great. Be sure and turn boot inside out, take large end and pull over funnel all the way, then when you pull boot back toward you, it unfolds itself, outside out...
The tool is definitely a easier way to go, but you installed a new boot on a birty and contaminated bearing. I like the tool for a fast fix but I'll still remove the joint Clean,inspect, and re lube it.
Did I see the ABS pick up ring on the Hub end? it appeared to smothered in the additional grease & Grime from use & the repair?? would this impede on the ABS functionality? I suspect it could be a potential safety issue?
No way would I ever hit the threaded end of the axel with a hammer, maybe a brass hammer, never a hardened steel hammer. yer asking for screwed up threads or an expanded end. But hey.