Good morning van folks, This year marks 40 years since my first VW; I think I've been under all six that I've owned, dealing with CV joints. Last time was a repacking in 2008 in a state park in Wyoming. That axle wasn't serviced anymore and has about another 20K miles on it. Our 2WD 1986 auto trans Weekender was in for some rear brake work and the mechanic said that both axles had CV joint issues: "Noticed upon inspection: right rear CV axle is binding and making noise. Left rear axle is starting to make noise also. Rec replacing both rear CV axles 3-9 months when start to hear clunking --both ok at this time." I want to do the work myself (as I've done axles before) I'm a little pressed for time because we have a road trip planned for mid-May and I'm out of town for a stretch before hand. My shop/garage isn't completely set up after a move (hence why the van went to the shop for what I consider to be very do-able rear brake work). I don't think I want to press my luck with noisy axles and a 5000 mile trip. But I think I can tackle this and get it done even though I don't move as well or work as quickly as I did (even in 2008). My left axle was bought at a FLAPS 14 years ago and has a "limited lifetime warranty" so theoretically I should be able to remove that axle, take it in and exchange it for a new (not rebuilt) one. If they honor the warranty, I'd get a free left and could get a new right axle for about $85. If they don't, my cost would be about $170 for two new axles. Go Westy has axles for $100, Bus Depot for $120 but I'd pay for shipping. None from the FLAPS (tax isn't an issue; I'm in OR). Van Cafe has four Lobro joints, four boots, grease, bolts for $265, Go Westy has 4 German joints with boots for $280. I saw a recent thread where folks were saying the aftermarket boots were the weakest link these days, which tilts me to doing my own with my spares and what is currently on the van. I have a couple (I think 3) joints I cleaned up and a couple boots, and maybe even some bolts.. I have two spare axles (AT needs different lengths) so I could assemble my own "rebuilt" set. If I need a joint or two I can get them (provided I can tell a good joint from a bad one), plus grease. But I was wondering if anyone was simply using axles from the FLAPS and having good or bad results. Thanks Mark 86 Campmobile Six-Seater "Monty" Black dogs are euthanized at a greater rate than other-colored dogs, regardless of temperament. Learn about Black Dog Syndrome at http://www.blackpearldogs.com/ Learn about black dogs in a Vanagon at http://www.pbase.com/mhersh/image/108220533 |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.