Date: Sat, 5 May 2001 11:37:53 -0400
Reply-To: Derek Drew <derekdrew@rcn.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Derek Drew <derekdrew@rcn.com>
Subject: CV Joint Protectors MAJOR SYNCRO POST
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
There has been some discussion on the list lately about the quality of
aftermarket vs. factory-original front CV Joint boot protectors. In this
email I will clear up some confusion, provide some analysis of which one to
get, and also provide list members with the least expensive method of
purchasing either type of protector. I will also discuss the European belt
guards, and some other parts further down in this email. A photo comparing
the factory original and aftermarket CV Boot protectors is also provided.
As our more attentive syncro owners know by now, the factory introduced the
CV Joint boot protector into production in January of 1990 in order to
protect the front CV joint boots from rocks, sticks and other road and
off-road hazards. The goal is worthy because the front CV Joint boots are
very exposed, and I have on many occasions before wondered what could be
done to better protect these boots from puncture and tearing.
Volkswagen/SDP began installing the protectors as a regular feature of the
vehicle in all 16" syncros and the 14" syncros with "heavy duty running
gear" so clearly the factory saw a need for them. As far as I know, none of
the heavy duty vehicles were sold in North America and so and none of our
North American vans had the protectors. In fact, none of us knew much about
the CV Joint Boot protectors until about two years ago after Phil Lander
started writing about them. Steve Schwenk picked up the thread and there
were some excellent initial postings about these last Fall.
More information about these CV joint protectors is on this page of Phil
Landers's http://www.ozemail.com.au/~pjlander/CV_Boot_Protectors.htm and
the factory instructions for fitting them are at
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~pjlander/images/instruct.jpg. I have received
many emails from European Syncro owners asking whether we have them here in
the USA and are we aware of them. They make so much sense and cost
relatively little, that they are becoming something of a rage among syncro
owners. Unfortunately, if you go to a VW dealer in North America and try to
order a set, you are going to get a "part not found" response and a pat on
the back as you walk out the door. So until recently, we have been out of
luck if we wanted to add one.
Some enterprising soul in Europe has now begun self manufacturing these CV
Joint protectors, and these non-factory versions are similar. You can see a
picture of the difference between the OEM flap and the aftermarket flap
that I took here:
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/CV_Joint_Protectors_Factory_And_Aftermarket.jpg
If you look closely at the picture, you will see the factory flap on the
right, and the aftermarket flap on the left. The points that are noticeable
from studying these flaps are that the factory flap has slightly thicker
metal that seems more robust, although not by a large margin. The factory
flap has smooth rounded metal edges instead of the aftermarket edges which
look like they were cut sharply out of a sheet. The factory flap material
is more flexible and supple, whereas the aftermarket flap appears to be
made from hard rubber cut out of a rubber sheet with an exacto knife or
heavy shears. Visually, the factory flap material is much more appealing.
Because of the metal thickness issue and the hardness of the flap material
which gives the protector less give, I had the impression that under stress
the aftermarket protector might have a greater tendency to bend or break
but this is only conjecture at this point.
Which protector would a better buy? It is a close call. After thinking
about it and comparing the prices ($160 vs. $130 delivered--see below), I
will be installing the factory original protector myself. But I think the
case is not clear cut, and the aftermarket protector is also a reasonable
choice for price-conscious purchasers.
FACTORY PROTECTOR PRICES
Recently (about four weeks ago), a list member offered to supply factory CV
joint protectors to us for $250 for the set and another list member is
rumored to be selling them for $300 for a set. The best price that is
likely to be available for factory protectors at this point for us is about
$190 or so, including the shipping expenses from Europe. It was nice to
hear that they could at least still be had as there have been supply
problems with Europe. That is, people would order them at the VAG dealer in
Europe, and then they would not come for extended periods. I ordered an
initial set, and there was a four month delay between the arrival of the
right side and the left side, for example. More recently, there has been a
price increase in Europe so they are getting more expensive. Meanwhile, as
some list members are aware, I have developed connections to non-standard
sources of syncro parts in Europe. I am able to arrange a list purchase of
the factory original protectors at a price of $160 per pair, including all
shipping expense, customs duty, and shipping to you within the USA or
Canada. This is by far the cheapest price you are likely to be able to find.
AFTERMARKET PROTECTOR PRICES
The aftermarket protectors are available from FLO for a price of $95 plus
$45 shipping, according to an email we received from FLO yesterday, which
would make the total about $140. Meanwhile, I have three sets of the
aftermarket protectors for sale, including local shipping to you in North
America, for a price of $130 for each set. The lower price is because I
ordered several sets at the same time, and there is a corresponding
reduction in the shipping expense. This should be, therefore, close to the
lowest price at which you can obtain the aftermarket CV Joint protector.
PRICE ANALYSIS OF THE CHOICE
Given the small difference in price between $160 and $130 I'd lean toward
getting the factory protector. But I think spending $130 on the aftermarket
protector is also reasonable. Supply issues may make the choice for some,
as the supply of the aftermarket protectors is more immediate, at least
from me. If you are in a hurry, and you want only the factory protector,
and cannot wait to have it, try David Marshall at www.fastforward.ca as he
tends to import things like this for his store but you will need to get a
separate price him him.
SUPPLY TIMING ESTIMATE TO GET THEM FROM ME
1st three aftermarket protectors: immediate
additional aftermarket protectors: 5 weeks
1st six factory original protectors: 5 weeks
additional factory original protectors: 3 months
Payment can be by www.paypal.com to derekdrew@rcn.com or via personal check
to Derek Drew, 5467 31st Street NW, Washington, DC 20015. If you would
like, you can ask me for a timing estimate before sending funds. If you
would like to obtain the protectors at these prices ($130 or $160), simply
send me payment either by paypal or by mail, and if you like, you can print
out this email and send it along.
ANSWER TO AN INSTALLATION ISSUE (Front Axle Nuts)
Bill Davidson asked the list about the issue of the front axle nut for
syncro. Thus nut is an "always replace" nut in the manual, which means that
every time you take it off (which you do to install the CV Joint boot
protector, Bill says) you are supposed to throw it out and put on a brand
new. This can get expensive for syncro owners because the price of the nut
at the dealer is about $8.
When replacing this nut, it pays to be careful because most aftermarket
replacements are only 1/2 the thickness and do not inspire confidence. I
would personally not install many of the the aftermarket nuts that come
with front outer cv joint boot kits you get from Parts Place ($50) or Bus
Depot ($17!!) (same kit from what I could see last time I looked a few
years ago). that is, I take a skeptical view of the tiny LOBRO nut that is
typically supplied for the front axle, and recommend that Syncro owners use
either a factory nut ($8ish each) or order a pile of them from Mr. Metric
(1-408-286-8816) as I did ($2.25 each). The Mr. Metric part number is
50416, 20 x 1.5 Allmetal w/collar vendor code 1006, Lot number 507004 from
Bossard DIN 980v BN6867. Mr. Metric said I had to order 50 but they only
sent me 20.
Most professional mechanics on the list, by the way, don't have time or
inclination to be replacing "always replace" items in the manual, and will
tell you that they simply re-use the nuts and use loctite on them. The nuts
are "always replace" because they are slightly crushed to have a locking
action. I am going to use my $2.25 Mr. Metric nuts for awhile since I have
them. Later, if I become more of a professional, perhaps I will begin
reusing nuts the factory says not to reuse.
==============================
END CV JOINT PROTECTOR SECTION
==============================
VISCOUS COUPLINGS
For those of you who have been waiting for the next round of viscous
couplings, they are due in a few weeks time. I will make an announcement at
that time. I have been looking at the weights that have been installed on
these. All the VCs have weights welded on the side to assure a perfect
balance and it strikes me that this has more importance than we have
previously notified, going by the great lengths the factory seems to have
gone to get it right. There are somewhere around 20 different weights, and
they are welded at precise locations.
BELT GUARDS
I have also managed to import some of the so-called European-Only "Belt
Guards" that were manufactured by VW as extra protection for the belts in
the engine compartment from rocks getting wedged up in there. For some
reason, they introduced these belt guards in Europe but never seem to have
got around to putting them into production for North American Spec
vehicles. I put a picture of the belt guards up on the web here:
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/beltguards1.jpg and
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/beltguards2.jpg.
The cost to get a set of the Belt Guards from me (including postage within
North America) is $23. These are available elsewhere on the list for $50,
according to a quotation I received from another list member offering to
sell them for that amount. If ordering with another part, such a the CV
Joint protectors, deduct $8 for packing and shipping.
The purpose of both the Belt Guards and the CV joint boot protectors is to
decrease the probability your vehicle will need mechanical attention while
you are on a long trip by reducing the probability of rock, stick, or
abrasion damage coming up from underneath.
16" REAR TRAILING ARMS
To participants in the purchase of 16" rear trailing arms: these are now
all in the mail. There is one extra set available to whomever wants it from
this purchase that is available so if you think you want one of these, send
me an email. The price is $1,250 plus local postage (another vendor on the
list quoted me $1,750). They enable mounting of very large tires. There is
a picture of them here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/syncro-org/files/Wheels,%20Tires%20&%20Gearing/Wheel%20&%20Tire%20Photos/16_Inch_Trailing_Arm.jpg
At this time I believe I am the best source for the following syncro
factory parts:
Belt Guards -- $23 http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/beltguards1.jpg ,
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/beltguards2.jpg
CV Joint Boot Guards -- OEM $160 or aftermarket $130
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/CV_Joint_Protectors_Factory_And_Aftermarket.jpg
Viscous Couplings -- Email me for an information package
16" Rear Trailing Arms
--$1,250
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/syncro-org/files/Wheels,%20Tires%20&%20Gearing/Wheel%20&%20Tire%20Photos/16_Inch_Trailing_Arm.jpg
6.17 and 5.83 Ring & Pinions --
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/ringandpinions1.jpg or check with
www.2weddle.com on this.
Many European-only factory-OEM-only parts -- email me the part number for a
quotation. I speak your language and won't send you aftermarket parts
without telling you. :-)
The contents of this email, or suitable sub-sections of it by permission,
may be reproduced and posted to other syncro and vanagon related websites.
The photo of the difference between the two CV joint protectors may also be
so posted, provided the photo is accompanied by the text.
________________________________________________________
Derek Drew New York, NY & Washington, DC
derekdrew@rcn.com 212-580-6486
Email me for viscous couplings
'90 Syncro Westfalia...
...seen off-road at
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/Syncro_Madness_Area.htm
Note: most valuable Vanagon sites on the planet (for owners) are:
http://gerry.vanagon.com/cgi-bin/wa.exe?S1=vanagon
ftp://gerry.vanagon.com/pub/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Syncro
http://www.vanagon.com
http://www.syncro.org
My refrigerator article:
http://www.vanagon.com/info/articles/Refrigerator/Reefer_Madness.htm
My article that shows how to deal with insurance companies:
ftp://gerry.vanagon.com/pub/auto-insurance-madness.html
To view Wolfgang's incredibly informative wheel article
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/fitbigtiresonvanagon.htm
To view Tim Smith's incredibly useful gearing calculator
http://users.rcn.com/derekdrew/syncrotireandgearratios.xls
To view some 16" Trailing Arms that enable much larger tires see
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/syncro-org/files/Wheels%2C%20Tires%20%26%20Gearing/Wheel%20%26%20Tire%20Photos/16_Inch_Trailing_Arm.jpg
