>My mother's 75 Scirocco broke a noisy CV once. Outer axle-end dropped down,
>disconnected from the hub. A flailing axle-end at speed could cause further
>damage.

This is exactly what happened to me two weeks ago.  Luckily I had
just pulled out of the neighborhood and was able to coast back home.

After searching these archives and familiarizing myself with the
CV/axle system, I got ready to remove the axle, disassemble the CV
joints, and put new ones on.  Then I called my FLAPS for the parts
and they said they did not sell the individual CV joints, but instead
carried the complete half axle with CV's already attached.  Given
that the price on the web for new joints was about $55 each, I was
happy to hear that the entire (rebuilt) half axle went for $75, with
a $45 core deposit.

I went that route and changed out the complete half axle.  Granted,
these joints are not from the original manufacturer (I forget the
name -- begins with an L) but it was much more convenient than
rebuilding the whole thing myself.  I just took my old axle back for
refund of the deposit and I am back on the road.  This also solved
the grease disposal problem that's been discussed before on the list.

FWIW, on the new half axle, the joints were shipped with 3 plastic
ties through the races to hold them together.  The instructions
recommended leaving one or two ties attached while fastening each
joint loosely with two bolts, then cutting the ties and pulling them
out before installing the rest of the bolts.

Marc Theune
85 Vanagon
Atlanta, GA