I use this needle to top up the CV joint grease almost every year. Instead
of actually poking a hole through  the CV boot I insert the needle between
the axle and boot. I always assumed this was the way it was meant to be
done.

Phil
'89 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: Malcolm Stebbins <MSTEBBIN@MSVU1.MSVU.CA>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, November 26, 2001 10:05 AM
Subject: Re: greasing CV joints - Grease needle experience

> I did the grease needle thing on my van a year ago and
> then took the van to Egypt for a year.  Upon returning to
> Halifax, my trusted mechanic poked around in one of the
> CV joints and found packed SAND all over the place.  He
> pulled the other 3 CV boots and same thing, SAND
> packed in the grease.  All of this from a tiny needle hole
> (but used in punishing conditions - desert sand).
>
> When I/we first did the grease needle thing, we/I did NOT
> try and seal the holes with any sealant.  I doubt that I do
> the grease needle thing again except for an "emergency"
> to get back home then do it properly.  m2cw,  Malcolm
>
> On 25 Nov 2001, at 18:45, Claudio Cella wrote:
>
> >  I have a "srynge" type tool that fits at the end of a
> > grease gun that would enable me to puncture the boot and
> > get fresh grease in there.  I would make one puncture
> > close the the bearing races and pump in several
> > ounces(?),  then would work the grease into the
> > neighbouring races by squeezing the rubber boot.  Once
> > completed i would seal the hole (approx. the size of a
> > large sewing needle) with a dab of silicone seal. As far
> > as i can remember the inner CV's have never been opened,
> > the two outer's have had boots replaced and repacked a
> > long time ago.  What are your thoughts?  Has anybody
> > tried this before?      Thank you for your thoughts.
> > Claudio Cella
>