I have replaced both my cv axels with flaps rebuilt units.Pepboys and
Advance auto ,to be exact.  I have heard here on the list of poor
preformance with flaps rebuilt axels. I have not seen this.

I suspect that this poor preformance is because of improper assembely at
the rebuild factory. Did the axel test smoothly before you installed it?
Bentley says to test them.If the exel does not flex smoothly all the way
around, the ball bearings are installed incorrectly.Easy to tell.

Maybe sometimes the axel is installed wrong.The balls can easily fall out
when installing.Sometimes they dont fall all the way out.The cage gets
caught a bit.  Lace the joints with a zip tie or two before you install
them.When the 6 bolts are inserted ,cut the ties.This will imobilize the
joint.

Dont understand the heat.No grease? Sounds like the port cv axel is
ok.Sometimes the axel does not seat on the  drive flange.It gets
cockeyed.Could the heat be from the exhaust pipe?

Roger

You are a trooper to have instaled these cv axels in that black cave and
seem ready to go back in,again.WOW!!