Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2017 09:42:55 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Hersh <cmwolfsburg@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Hersh <cmwolfsburg@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: CV joint maintenance/replacement question.
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
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,
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