At 11:22 5/11/2000, David wrote:
>or can I simply unbolt the axel and change the CVs and bolt it back in??

Yes.

>Bently makes it seem like the answer is NO,

Looking carefully at Bentley, it seems that they simply don't address the
subject at all -- presumably they think it's too simple to talk about
(snobs).  All their description has to do with disassembling the hub, stub
axle etc; they take the half-shafts for granted.

>but Haynes makes it seem like YES, but it's a little hard to get the hex
>bolts on the outer CV.

The only real trouble comes if you strip one out.  Otherwise it's only that
the access is poor for cleaning the bolt before removing, and you don't
have a good view for getting the tool on the bolt.  Most of these bolts are
internal 12-pt, often called "triple square,"  which is much more robust
than the hex -- but you can still strip them out if you try.  Much better
not to...

david
David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"