If they weren't knocking, and the pits aren't very big, I'd repack them
and re-install them in their normal orientation for now.  Drive it with
confidence until they start making clicking sounds, while saving for all new
CV's.  Reverse their orientation if they start clicking on the turns, until
the bread comes through......

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Walter Houle" <whoule@ECSCONTROLS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2008 11:54 PM
Subject: CV Joint Wear

> OK, I finally got into my CV joints. Took them out and cleaned them up in
> the parts washer. I had no problems with them, but I knew they were way
> overdue for service. My notes showed they went approx. 75,000 miles and 12
> years without any service at all! All of the boots were good and there was
> plenty of grease inside. My intent was to repack them and reuse them, but
> once I cleaned them, I saw some pitting. Every CV had at least one small
> pit on the ball track inside, and a 2 of them had a 3 or 4 pitted spots. I
> think they're toast, but I want to know if there is any hope of re-using
> them. I read that you can swap the axles and CVs from the other side and
> reverse the rotation. Is it worth doing this to prolong the inevetible, or
> should I just get all new ones?
>
> Thanks,
> Walter
> 85 Vanagon 1.9