Sometimes the inner CV joint will need a weird angle of alignment to reseat correctly after being popped out of the cup. You should be able to reseat it with the nut removed if you partially free the splines from the bearing hub without having to fully remove the axle from the transmission.I mean can't I push it in while attached to the knuckle just the same? The only reason the knuckle isn't rotating inward is because the inner joint popped out. Yes it would be easier to do it with the axle out of the car but would try this first.