Finally dove into the task of checking, servicing and possibly replacing the
CV joints on my 84 manual 5-sp tranny.  Been putting it off because I was
just sure I would strip out a couple of the allen head bolts.  About 2 wks
ago, I began 'basting' the bolts with Liquid Wrench and surprise, they all
came out without a hitch.
  The joints were  varied as to the condition and since I've not done this
task before, what am I looking for/at?  I've read the write-ups online.
 Two CVs on the drivers side axle are obviously shot, for sure.  They had
chunks out of the bearing races, a couple of the bearings are badly pitted
and the one at the wheel end, that one had almost 'liquid' grease, unlike
all the others.  The others, the grease was really dry..about the
consistency of fudge brownies.  But that one, the grease actually dripped
out..What's up with that?  I can't see how anything could be getting in to
dilute the grease..
  The ones on the other axle:  One was pretty nice..dry but fine looking.
The other has some discoloration of the bearings but no pitting of any of
the races...just looks like it's been hot..4 of  6 of the bearings are kinda
brown/blue not shiny silver, but they are smooth and undamaged..Should I
expect this one to fail soon, or can I just replace it next time..I plan on
servicing these yearly now (about 20k miles of driving for me).
  So, I am doing two of these for sure..the ones with the pitting and
galling of the races.  One looks as new almost, and one has some evidence of
the bearings taking some heat...I'd like to defer replacement on that side,
if I can get away with it.  Yes? No?
  Odd critters, the CV joints.  I can usually look at a mechanical device
and deduce why it is made like it is, etc etc.  Not the CV joint...It seems
a bit arbitrary, why things are shaped as they are and how it fits
together...Not that I 'studied' it or anything..
  Don Hanson

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