Steve:

Try checking out http://volksweb.relitech.com/cvjoints.htm for some
pointers.

TomC
tcarrington@relitech.com
http://volksweb.relitech.com
85 Vanagon Crew Cab
82 Westy diesel=>gas conversion
65 Notchback

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve Sullivan [SMTP:Steve@NORTHWESTWATCH.ORG]
> Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2000 6:21 PM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      CV boot replacement
>
> I have some specific questions about replacing CV boots on my '84 Westy
> that
> I can't figure out from reading my Bentley Manual. . .
>
> 1) Can the axle shaft be removed without removing the wheel bearing
> housing,
> axle nut, and rear brakes? It looks like I could simply unbolt the inner
> end
> from the transmission and drop that end of it to the ground.
>
> 2) If I can drop one end of the shaft, or even if I can remove the whole
> shaft, the manual shows the need to press the CV joint off the axle shaft.
> But my axle shaft can easily be pushed back and forth, leading me to think
> that if I can drop the trannie end I can simply slide the joint off,
> replace
> both boots, slide the joint back on, and bolt the axle shaft back to the
> transmission. Am I wrong?
>
> In other words, can I do this job myself? Or do I need special tools (such
> as a joint puller) I have no access to? Heck, I don't even have access to
> a
> garage to do this in. . .
>
> 3) The manual shows the joint being held to the axle shaft by a circlip,
> and
> says you have to press (pull) the joint off using a special tool. If
> that's
> true, why can I easily slide my axle shaft back and forth with my hand? Or
> does the clip hold the joint not to the axle shaft, but to the thingy that
> bolts to the transmission?
>
> If all this is in the archives, I apologize, I couldn't find it.
>
> Your help appreciated.
>
> Steve