I have gotten some responses on the info below but I still don't know
whether the new EMPI axles have the same shaft and spline as stock?

Thanks,

Kurt

On 6/24/06 1:12 PM, "Kurt Camealy" <camealy@CTSR.COM> wrote:

> Here is the long winded version...
>
>
>
> I have sheared THREE MT Rear CV axles in the past year and half.  I had
> the original Vanagon CV axles on for the first 156K miles with no
> problems.  After having my stock motor rebuilt (no power upgrades) I
> decided to replace the axles since the grease was like chewing gum.  (My
> fault for never repacking)  I bought new ones and installed.  They
> installed perfectly had no vibrations all the way up to freeway speeds.
> A few months later I sheared one crawling out of a parking garage in
> Columbus.  I couldn't believe my eyes, the metal shaft actually sheared
> in half so you could see the twist.  I had the first one replaced
> graciously at no charge to me.  A few months later the opposite side
> sheared from a stop sign on a dead cold engine.  I don't drive crazy and
> am pretty easy on my tranny.  That side was also replaced at no charge
> to me.  Now I have sheared the original replaced one and don't know the
> best plan.  I have been amazingly and kindly offered full store credit
> for the THIRD sheared axle even though it is out of warranty.  I now
> realize I can't put that brand back on, so what would be the most cost
> effective and reliable way to go?  I have looked at the local junkyards
> for OEM shafts that I could install in these EMPI CV joints, but do they
> even fit properly?  Also is it the shaft that is weakly made, or are the
> CV joints causing weird stresses on the shaft?  (Eventually causing an
> OEM shaft to fail as well)  Should I find someone willing to sell me
> their axles minus joints and buy 4 new Joints?
>
>
>
> I don't know the best plan of action, and I am tired of being stranded.
>
>
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
>
>
> Kurt
>
>
>
> 1987 Vanagon Wolfsburg GL 210K
>
>