Date:         Tue, 15 Feb 2000 10:34:05 -0800
Reply-To:     Joel Cort <joel_cort@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Joel Cort <joel_cort@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Q.about Front Syncro Axle Removal (longish)
Comments: To: Syncro@onelist.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Syncro nuts

I am contemplating repacking the front inner and outer
CVs on my 89 Syncro Westy, because, like a good wine
it is time (110K miles). Also good preventative
maintenance and relatively cheap. I am also thinking
about switching the axles from left to right side so
any feedback on that move would be appreciated.  I'm
located in Rochester NY and waiting for the snow to
melt and the garage floor to warm up but in the mean
time I am plotting and planning doing this job myself.


I did get one torn boot replace at a local shop and
they charged me about $150 to do one booty. If this is
an expected rate I will do it myself and repack/reboot
the remaining 3 front CVs.  I'll also do the rear CVs
but those look a lot simpler to detach from the van.

I have several questions for all you experienced
Syncro mechanics:

1) Can I or Should I switch axles from left to right
to get the little bearings to start turning in the
opposite direction and extend the life of both CVs?  -
Likewise should I do this for the rear axles?
2) In the Bentley book it shows the 30mm. Axle nut to
require a torque of 300Nm.  (that's a lota Newtons)
What methods have you folks used to loosen and tighten
this bad boy….. without an impact gun?  Should I start
looking for a big cheater bar?  I found the socket at
Sears for about $8 bucks - non impact grade.  - Should
I go rent an Impact gun and compressor at my local
rent-all?
3) Ok once the axle nut is loosened and removed what
methods have y'all have used to push out the entire
axle assembly with the CV out of the bearing assembly?
 Bentley shows some sort of a wheel puller/pusher to
do this job.  Any hints on what tool make and number
to do this? (Anyone want to loan me the tool?) or
should I disassemble the entire bearing assembly hub
and press the axle shaft out of the assembly using a
hydraulic press?  Any lessons learned will be
appreciated.  It shouldn't be that hard, cause all the
front wheel drive cars (Rabbit/jetta/etc.)have similar
axles and bearing.

I'm assuming the remainder of the job is straight
forward, once the axle with CVs are out of the van and
on a work bench.  That is, disassemble, clean,
inspect, regrease / repack, reboot and reseal each CV
tediously.

Thank you all for words of wisdom and experience.

Thanks,

Joel
89 vw 4x4
Cinnabar Red Multivan
Rachacha NY

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