If it is really clunking and everything else checks out OK (cv bolts tight
etc) then I would say it is done for... metal wear.  You'll see the galling
when you get them out.  I have heard though that you can get more miles out
of sick CVs by pulling and reversing them (R to L) so they're taking torque
in the opposite direction.  Good to know if you're way out in the boonies
when one starts "talking!"

As far as R/R advice goes, cut scrap cardboard to lay up inside the "floor"
of the trailing arms when you work on the outer CV joints -- it's
guaranteed to be all dirty up in there and the grease must stay clean.  If
you are reusing the axles you will need snap ring pliers to get the CVs off
the shaft.  Oh, and use jack stands not ramps, so you can rotate the axles
as you work.  Finally, retorque the CV bolts a few days after you
finish.  The CV bolts on my van were a mix of allen heads and triple square
(more PO wierdness) and I stripped a couple triple square bolts before I
figured this out.  Unless you manage to do somet=hing as dumb as this you
will find the job to be cake.  Messy, but cake.
best,
Robert H
Ithaca NY
84 Westy "Busaru" EJ22

>From:    Anonymous Digest <jbrush@AROS.NET>
>Subject: CV Joint Experts?
>What fails in them? What makes the actual clunking? Does clunking mean it has
>failed, or is it in need of cleanup and replacement of grease?
>
>I have seen the reports of places to buy grease and tools that can sort of
>inject the grease through the edge of the existing boot. Is there any good
>reason to try this before R&Ring the joint?