Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 13:31:48 -0500
Reply-To: Jim Henry <jch@VNET.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jim Henry <jch@VNET.NET>
Organization: JCH GIS
Subject: Re: Need size of CV bolt socket tool...12 pt 6mm???
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Walter,
CV joints sure do get a lot of attention on this list. But having
replaced the passenger side joints on my 84 Westy, I now consider
myself an expert and will share my experiences. I think the most
important thing I can share is the article that Tom has posted on
his site, Tom's VW Pages, at relitech.com
(http://volksweb.relitech.com/cvjoints.htm). It holds your hand
from start to finish
My comments on your concerns are as follows
>
> 1. does one actually need to replace the bolts with
> new ones, or can the old ones be re-used ?
>
I would say yes if they come with your kit, and save the old ones,
you never know when you might need one. Clean all bolts and bolt
holes thoroughly and use locktite on the treads.
>
> 2. do both CV shafts need to be replaced at the same
> time, i.e. matching pair ?
>
I did not because the PO had replaced one side 20K miles earlier.
I did regrease that side. It was in good shape. It is suggested on
this list that if you have both sides off, you can switch sides
and extend the life of the joint, this makes sense, whereas simply
flipping the shaft does not give you much benefit.
>
> 3. what is the best replacement: new CV shafts or
> rebuilt ones ? what is most commonly used ?
>
I think you will see from the article on Tom's page that
rebuilding the shafts yourself is a realistic approach and
typically is cheaper and allows you to know the condition of all
the parts. ie,known high quality, new cv joints on your existing,
straight shaft are, IMHO, better than all of the unknowns of
"rebuilt shafts" and probably much cheaper that "new CV shafts".
However, much can be said for "take it out of box, put it in
place, and tighten the bolts."
>
> 4. any additional tips for those faced with doing it
> on the roadside ?
>
This is not something that you want to do on the roadside, but is
doable. Always, ALWAYS, check the torque on the bolts after
driving for a day or two. I offer this out of experience, a bad
experience. I remind all that once a shaft come loose, the van no
longer moves itself. And CV joints always let go at intersections,
busy intersections, and rush hour if they are allow out at that
time.
I also use both wd40 and an aerosol parts cleaner to clean out the
bolt area and especially the bolt heads before trying to remove
them. With this approach, I did not have any problem getting the
tool well seated, and all bolts came out cleanly. WD40 and Duct
tape, life would be so complicated without them.
Best of Luck, It is a messy job, but very doable.
Travel well,
Jim
>
--
Jim Henry
Durham, NC
84 GSL-SE
85 GSL-SE (parts car)
84 Vanagon Westfalia camper
95 Oldsmobile Aurora
87 RX7 na
jch@vnet.net
