Date:         Fri, 8 May 1998 21:33:10 -0500
Reply-To:     Martin Peitz <peitz@HIWAAY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Martin Peitz <peitz@HIWAAY.NET>
Subject:      Syncro CV Self Destruct
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Syncro suddenly self destructs a CV joint.


This morning I pulled into the parking lot at work a little bit swifter
than usual and in a tight curve when I suddenly heard
"Crr-knurps-crunch" from the front.

U-Oh!

I jacked up the front and found that I could turn the front left wheel
while the driveshaft remained stationary.

I had the car taken home on a flatbed and have just concluded the
disection:

The cage of the left outer CV joint has broken.
The surprising thing is the condition of the other CV joint parts:
perfect, no heat signs, no discolored or pitted balls, no signs of wear,
lots of grease.
I expected mayhem, where now a new cage would do it (I know, and I
wont).

I am shocked about the prices for a new joint.
It seems to be a Syncro only part. The Busdepot wants 199$.
Does anybody know of a cheaper source of good quality?
I would not be surprised if the part is identical to some other brands
part, like for example Audi. Has anybody ever researched this? I know it
is difficult.

I am going to Germany next week and will go to the mega large Bus
meeting near Koblenz at the end of the month to check out those
plentyfull 16" Doublecabs.
Any other Listmembers there?

Loving my Syncro anyway, hating its parts appetite,
Martin