At 11:01 AM 7/23/2001, Carlen, Gregg wrote:
>. I did the same procedure and this time, just inserted the half shaft in
>backwards. Worked fine for about another year, then clicking got worse and
>that was the end of them.

As it turns out, swapping the shaft end-for-end doesn't change the pressure
relationships.  Swapping shafts from one side of the car to the other, or
turning the joints around on the shaft (but not both) does.

>
>So, can you do this. Yes. I got an extra 3 years out of the CV joints
>doing this. Was it worth it. In my opinion, yes, depending how much time
>you're trying to buy and if you can afford to buy new CVs. I bought my
>last set from Busdepot for about $60 each (I think the price has come down
>since then). But, you must realize, switching the CVs is a temporary
>solution. I have found that once the CV's start clicking, its only a
>matter of time. I like the needle with grease gun idea. I'll have to give
>it a try. I use Marine grade grease because it is resistant to moister.
>Does it make a difference? I don't know since I don't dip my CVs in water
>like I do the bearings of my boat trailer, but it does make me feel
>better, though.

Personally I would stay with grease intended for CV joints -- it's really
quite a specialized product, loaded with molybdenum and lead.  Also bear in
mind that different greases may be incompatible with each other and turn
each other into some non-grease substance if the old grease is not
thoroughly cleaned out before the new is put in.

david

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