Thanks for the responses, everyone.  Guessing, I probably have about 15k
miles since I last greased these CVs.   They were pretty dry at that time,
hence the discoloration, I guess...I'll go under and twist and inspect.
Hopefully I won't have to remove and replace...though CV joints are
fascinating pieces of engineering and fabrication, that is a messy job
without a lift and a parts washer tank.

  I'll post in  a few days.  Also, it will be interesting to see if
switching from Redline MT-90 to Swepco 201 in my 5sp tranny produces any
noticable difference.  And I have a brand new can of SA Besto spray lube to
douche all the shift linkage as well as the suspension bushings and ball
joints.  My van is gonna love me.  I just treated it to a tank of premium
fuel with a dash of StaBil gas treatment...Might be my imagination but it
seems to make smoother and better power running on premium fuel...1.8 '92
Golf inline 8 valve VW motor in there, normal operation elevation is ~ sea
level.

  BTW..it is now actual spring in the NW US a bit east of Portland, Or.
Leaves coming out, Cherry Blossoms and Lilacs, grass is green and being
mowed by some of the more an*l residents in nearby cities...Even saw lots of
shorts-wearers yesterday...

   Don Hanson

On Sat, Apr 17, 2010 at 3:48 AM, Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:

> Don, what I normally do is look at the boots to see if they are OK.  If
> they are then I take the axle in my hand and try to turn it like you would
> rev a motorcycle hand grip.  Try to rock it back and forth.  If you feel
> play then you can a dry or worn CV joint and you should pull that side for
> further investigation.  If they feel tight (no play) and they are not making
> noise then you should be good to go.  Hope this helps.
>
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>
>
>
>