Vanagoners,

While the list was down, I decided to do a CV replacement job.  I did it
myself, it was not difficult.  It was very messy, all that grease.

After 30 years of VW ownership, 29 years of Type II ownership and 20 years of
water cooled VW ownership I have formed the following conclusion.  Can any of
you verify this with your experiences?

In my experience, VW CV's give lots and lots of warning when they are about
to fail.  I have never had one fail as I always replace them before it is too
late.  Case in point, my 91 Carat.  It has been making the familiar CV joint
warning knock for almost a year.  But, it would knock one time (usually
starting from stop on a turn) for a few dozen yards and quit.  It would not
repeat for (give or take) a month.  Then it would do it again one time.
These symptoms went on for about a year, enough time for me to purchase
replacement CV's.  Then it did the familiar knock routine twice in the same
week.  That sent me over the edge and I replaced both CV's on the passenger
side immediately.

By the way, my Vanagon has an automatic transmission so swapping half shafts
was not an option.

The repair took 4 or 5 hours of my time.  I had to run down to FLAPS and get
them to press off the old CV from one end.  I was able to beat the other old
CV off with my trusty 8 pound hand sledge and a drift.

For those considering trying this repair, do it.  It is not difficult, just
messy.  Bentley does not offer too much help, but you can figure it out.  My
advice, do both CV's on a half shaft.  If you need advice, the list is here
to help.

Dennis Lockwood
91 Carat
Original Owner