>Sounds like a dry/bad CV joint- probably at the wheel rather than the
>trans.  Check to see if its boot is cracked and the joint thereby dried
>out (no grease) or if it is just worn out.  Pretty simple replacement
>procedure- good luck!
>        Shawn- various Vanagon Westies

Okay, I am really appreciative of all you folks who took the time to clue
me in on what the problem might be. Since I know there are no marbles in
the hub-cap :-) and so many of you commented on the CV joints, I will be
taking a closer look over the weekend.

Shawn here says its pretty simple. Tom pointed me to his write up on the
process at his web site (thank you) and so that's two for 'pretty easy'
Does anyone have a different opinion of the procedure. It seems pretty
straight forward. When I take a close look, is there likely to be an
obvious sign of failure, like there is with wheel bearings and such?

Realizing that there are all kinds of possibilities, is the failure mode
for the CV joint catastrophic, or does it get increasingly noisy until I
can't stand it anymore??

Again, I am very grateful for your time, and your replies.

Regards from Utah,

John