I agree, and it's much worse than you think.  The "rebuilders" actually take
old CV joints and machine them to use larger diameter balls (no jokes
please).  Needless to say, this changes the original design quite a bit.

You'll need that lifetime guarantee...

Cheers,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Bill Collins
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 11:13 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: rear cv boots

I have encountered several of these rebuilt axles over the years and will
not use one again.  Before using these, I have NEVER seen a CV joint fail if
its boot was still intact.  I have now replaced 3 joints that started
binding with the boots still intact.  Bentley says to never mix up parts
between different CV joints (and on the front drive VWs, they even tell you
to put the balls back in the same order they were removed!).  I have heard
(and seen evidence to support it) that the rebuilders mix and match parts
from different joints to make a good one.

Yes, there's a lifetime warranty, but you still have to do the work of
taking them out and installing the replacement.

Its too bad the rebuilt axles have become so popular.  I couldn't even buy a
CV joint locally.

Bill
--------------------------
After having done a few CV repacks and boot replacements, I've found that
rebuilt half shafts are available from Advance Auto Parts or NAPA for about
$100 (plus core) with a lifetime guarantee.  I've gotten them fully packed
and covered with a baggie or clean and with a bag of grease.

Unbolt the old one, bolt up the new one, and you get much less grease on
your hands.