At 02:50 10/31/2000, Jonathan Lee wrote:
>  -- Needs new right-rear  C/V axle (drive axle) -- biggie: $250

This is one where you can generally get along for awhile -- massaging the
boots to redistribute grease may help somewhat -- and if your time is cheap
there is a range of possibilities:

1) Remove axle, swap joints from one end to the other without flipping
them, or flip them without swapping, or swap axles from one side to the
other (I think automatic can't do this?).  Repack with plenty of grease and
reassemble.  Cost maybe $5-10 for grease, $5 for 12-pt or hex tool (in
addition to jack stands, regular socket set, torque wrench, hammer that you
will need for ongoing work).

2) Replace the worst joint, reverse the other one.  Additional cost about
$60 for joint from Bus Depot or Van-Again.

3) As 2, but also replace boots -- another $20?

4) Replace both joints and boots.

5) Buy rebuilt axle with joints already installed and swap it in.  Easiest,
may not be more expensive than working with the parts, may not be as good
quality as doing yourself.

This is fairly easy (though messy) job.  You'll want an assistant to index
the wheel when you're removing and replacing the bolts.

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