Yeah, the Bentley spec says you should be able to move the CV Joint
through its range of motion by hand.  I had to return half axels to
Autozone three times before I got a new one that met spec.  Lesson
learned: open the box and inspect the hardware before you leave the store!

Good luck!

Matt

On Fri, 17 Jun 2005, Stan Wilder wrote:

> From: Stan Wilder <wilden1-1@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: CV Joint issues
> Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2005 10:39:11 -0500
>
> Don't try to reinvent the wheel.
> You've got a new defective part.
> Return the part or at least contact the seller because he's the one that can
> give you the help you need.
>
> Stan Wilder
> Engine Ceramics
> 214-352-4931
> www.engineceramics.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Leon" <korkwood@WSHOST.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Friday, June 17, 2005 10:12 AM
> Subject: CV Joint issues
>
>
> > Has anyone ever come across "stiff" CV joint?
> > I just installed brand new joints on both axles and after driving Vanagon
> > noticed "pulsed" power delivery at low speeds in any gear.It was weird,
> > never seen it before.There was also some strange clanking in back.
> > This morning went under and found one axle "stiff", had no motion at all
> > along axle.Removed it and one of new joints was stiff, could be moved only
> > using sledge hammer.Took it apart but didn't find any problem, looks
> normal
> > but it's probably not.
> > Tried to put it back together but after inserting only 3 balls it became
> > very hard to do so i left it alone.This joint is made by GKN with single
> > groove.All those joints are stiff when new but after few miles "soften
> up".
> > Lately i started getting diffrent joints with combination of single and
> > 3 grooves.Made by GKN with diffrent part #.Those joints are much more
> > flexible when new.Easier to work with.
> > Comments very welcome
> > Leon
>