Joel, I'm not 100% sure about this but I seem to recall something about the
syncro's front bearings not being easily serviceable. When I had my front
CVs repacked by a dealer (a reputable one) I recall that they suggested not
servicing these bearings, but just replacing them if and when they became
noisy. My memory is fuzzy on this though...

Mark McCulley

>From: Joel Cort <joel_cort@YAHOO.COM>
>Reply-To: Joel Cort <joel_cort@YAHOO.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Q.about Front Syncro Axle Removal (longish)
>Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2000 10:34:05 -0800
>
>Syncro nuts
>
>I am contemplating repacking the front inner and outer
>CVs on my 89 Syncro Westy, because, like a good wine
>it is time (110K miles). Also good preventative
>maintenance and relatively cheap. I am also thinking
>about switching the axles from left to right side so
>any feedback on that move would be appreciated.  I'm
>located in Rochester NY and waiting for the snow to
>melt and the garage floor to warm up but in the mean
>time I am plotting and planning doing this job myself.
>
>
>I did get one torn boot replace at a local shop and
>they charged me about $150 to do one booty. If this is
>an expected rate I will do it myself and repack/reboot
>the remaining 3 front CVs.  I'll also do the rear CVs
>but those look a lot simpler to detach from the van.
>
>I have several questions for all you experienced
>Syncro mechanics:
>
>1) Can I or Should I switch axles from left to right
>to get the little bearings to start turning in the
>opposite direction and extend the life of both CVs?  -
>Likewise should I do this for the rear axles?
>2) In the Bentley book it shows the 30mm. Axle nut to
>require a torque of 300Nm.  (that's a lota Newtons)
>What methods have you folks used to loosen and tighten
>this bad boy�.. without an impact gun?  Should I start
>looking for a big cheater bar?  I found the socket at
>Sears for about $8 bucks - non impact grade.  - Should
>I go rent an Impact gun and compressor at my local
>rent-all?
>3) Ok once the axle nut is loosened and removed what
>methods have y'all have used to push out the entire
>axle assembly with the CV out of the bearing assembly?
>  Bentley shows some sort of a wheel puller/pusher to
>do this job.  Any hints on what tool make and number
>to do this? (Anyone want to loan me the tool?) or
>should I disassemble the entire bearing assembly hub
>and press the axle shaft out of the assembly using a
>hydraulic press?  Any lessons learned will be
>appreciated.  It shouldn't be that hard, cause all the
>front wheel drive cars (Rabbit/jetta/etc.)have similar
>axles and bearing.
>
>I'm assuming the remainder of the job is straight
>forward, once the axle with CVs are out of the van and
>on a work bench.  That is, disassemble, clean,
>inspect, regrease / repack, reboot and reseal each CV
>tediously.
>
>Thank you all for words of wisdom and experience.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Joel
>89 vw 4x4
>Cinnabar Red Multivan
>Rachacha NY
>
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