I would say that the odds are good that you'll need at least one joint.  As
to side, it would be the side where the clunking is coming from (how's that
for an obvious statement?)  I'm trying to say that turning right wouldn't
necessarily mean that it's the right side that's bad.

Cleaning and repacking may mask the problem temporarily, but when you take
the joint apart and clean it, it should be pretty clear--look at the area
where the ball has worn into the inner and outer hubs--if the wear is a
smooth, shiny surface, you're fine.  If there's pitting in that area, you
will need to replace the joint to eliminate the noise.

HTH,
bmc  :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."

> From: "Beckham, Chip" <cbeckham@NORDSON.COM>
> Reply-To: "Beckham, Chip" <cbeckham@NORDSON.COM>
> Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 15:39:52 -0500
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: 1983.5 with 108,000 miles
>
> I'm planning to service all four of my CV joints in the next couple of
> weeks.  I have the kits from Bus Depot including grease, boots, and
> replacement fasteners.  I've noticed, when I turn sharply right, I hear the
> clunk-clunk, as Ben mentions.  Should I assume that at least one of my right
> side joints needs replacement or will a cleaning and repacking fix the
> problem?
>
> Chip Beckham
> 85 GL
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ben McCafferty [mailto:ben@KBMC.NET]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2002 2:34 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: 1983.5 with 108,000 miles
>
> And I think you can check them by going to a parking lot, and driving in a
> slow circle with the steering wheel all the way one direction, then all the
> way the other direction.  I know this works for front CVs (i.e. on a syncro
> or a FWD car), but don't know if it will put enough strain on the rears to
> make them sound off.  If it works, and they're bad, they'll
> clunk-clunk-clunk as you go around in circles.
> bmc  :)
> "Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."
>