I replaced two of my CVs on the weekend, and neither had thrust washers
on the inside, whereas the rebuilt drive shafts which I stole the joints from
had the dished washers. It appears some force is needed to hold the joints
against the washer while installing the circlip. Since I've been driving my old
CVs without these washers for 10 years, are they really necessary?

Shawn Wright
http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
'82 Diesel Westy 1.6NA
'85 Jetta Diesel 1.6NA