If it's a CV joint (likely, I think) making noise internally, it can go for
a lo-o-ong time before catastrophic failure.  As a quick check/symptom
relief, massaging the boots to work grease back into the joint will
probably help it for a while.  However if the noise is because the
fastening bolts are loosening, it can fail abruptly at any instant.  Was
mine, I'd slide under and try to wiggle things (normal to be able to slide
the shaft in and out an inch or so), and massage the boots.  If the noise
goes away or gets less, I'd call that diagnostic and arrange to fix the
joint(s) when convenient.  But if something's loose I wouldn't drive it
another foot until it's tightened.  Torque is 33 lb-ft, the bolts may be
allen or 12-pt (K-D and others make 12-pt tools available at FLAPS -- I
think it's 6 mm).  Whatever it is, clean as well as possible the socket,
and then tap the wrench into it to seat it well.  You do *not* want to bung
up the head of one of the outer ones.

If you're in New England, better do all this quick unless you like working
in a snowstorm... <g>

david

At 11:34 PM 12/29/2000, Mary Beth and Chris Geiser wrote:
>before then.  My first guess is a CV joint.  If you have other idea's, I'd
>like to hear them.  If it is the CV joint, do these fail catastrophically
>(ie: van stops moving, other things wrecked)?  If not, how long have people
>driven on these before fixing.  We're supposed to leave tomorrow for about a
>200 mile trip....
>         Thanks again for any insight.
>Chris

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