Dave,

Yes the spacers should be there.  And yes they are a dealer only part.  I
replaced a missing one for $17.90 from my local VW dealer.  Ordering them
from Camelback  VW would be cheaper.

FWIW, I noticed no ill effects from driving the syncro without one of the
spacers, so that may not be your problem.

Cory

-----Original Message -----
From: "Milo's Kitchen" <sagmoore@ZOOMINTERNET.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2003 4:36 PM
Subject: Syncro front driveshaft spacers

> I haven't seen this in the archives, so here goes. At approx 120,000 miles
> (late 1999) my '87 syncro needed new CV joints, one front and one rear. I
> didn't have a garage at the time (in the Winter) so I bought 4 new joints
> from Bus Depot and payed a local VW ex-dealer mechanic working at a local
> gas station to change them.
>
>  After the first week the LH front outer disconnected itself and tore the
> boot, (I believe the snap ring released), but he repaired it at no charge.
> Now at 145,000 miles, I have experienced what I can only describe as
> occasional "snatching" of the steering wheel (a sudden quick jerk of the
> steering wheel to the right and back to straight) at highway speeds. Not
> enough to send you off into the weeds but certainly enough to get your
> immediate and undying attention. No other clicking noises, torn boots,
> grinding noises, wobbling wheels etc are present.
>
>  I took the LH front axle off. According to the book of Bentley on page
> 40.15, there is a "spacer washer" at the inboard end. I do not have such
an
> animal, nor do I have an associated gasket. Wonderful.
>
>  Question is, is the spacer a dealer only part? Where can I get 2 of
these?
> Is it really there or removed in subsequent service bulletins? Someone
BTDT?
> I think this might explain a lot, as without the spacer the joints would
not
> have been in their proper orientation, stretched, as it were.
>
> Thanks,
> Dave