[response below -- logical order of conversation]
-----Original Message-----
From: Erin Randolph <lexluthier72@YAHOO.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 00:04:15 -0800
Subject: Noisy CV's and vibration?

Hello all,
   Among the many issues my Vanagon has, The CV's are
noisy (Its also below zero here) but i get some
vibration every once in a while along with the noise.
[snip]Has anyone ever heard of this happening with the CV
joints?[snip]
Erin - I don't suffer from the cold here in South Florida,but my CV's were making noise when I drove around. So, I changedthem out.  In the course of doing this work, I found that the greasein there was not in good condition.  This is, most likely, becausethey were never re-packed by the prior owners.  So, my advice,would be to repack them, or just replace them.  I did not find the jobto be that difficult and am glad to know more about this area. Iwill definitely be re-packing at a regular interval (like 40,000 miles).Mind you, my boots were in excellent condition and there was no indicationexcept for the noise that the CVs were in trouble.Perhaps the polar bear contingent of the list can speak up about whathappens during cold temps and if you should take a different approach.Jeff at VanagonParts.com has the CVs and boots for a good price.  Figureabout 3 hours each side on labor -- do it right and clean up everythingwhile you're in there.  I no auto mechanic and thankfully I have a friendwho has the right tools.  We got this done and now I know that my CVs arejust fine....  Now, I'm off to getting my automatic rebuilt.... big brakekits.... 15" wheels.... oh the list goes on and on... :-)
    -Robert