David Kao <dtkao0205@yahoo.com> writes:

> Yes, Passat is fun to drive. But within 7 years the CV joint is
> shot. Two of the ball joints have broken rubber seal already.  Power
> window switch already gone bad. Engine leaks oil so bad that the
> engine compartment breaths out blue smoke all the time.

OK, well -- yeah I've known CV joints to last longer than that.  In my
Jetta I had one boot crack in over 10 years of ownership.  The joint
had not even start
ed to exhibit a problem yet, but I replaced it
anyway (with remanufactured axle by the way, and never had any
problems with it again).

But they don't last forever.  How many miles on them 7 years?  Ball
joints?  They're basically a wear item.  They don't last forever
either on any car.  What is your driving style like?  Do you drive
aggressively and take turns pretty hard?  Not saying they should not
honor the warranty but seven years is not soo bad to have to do ball
joints and the like.  Most people don't even keep a car that long.

VW has no shortage of engineering head-scratchers, sounds like that
valve cover gasket is one.  My Jetta leaked a lot from the valve cover
too and it was a simple flat seal.  One thing, don't tighten the cover
down too hard if it's stamped sheet metal.  Most people would be
surprised at the torque spec on the valve cover nuts, it's pretty low.
If you try to clamp it down hard it will bend and then it will never
seal right even with a new gasket.

Allan
--
1991 Vanagon GL.