Maybe the cracked boots every two years is a way to ensure the owner has
to pull the axles for service. Once off to replace a boot - why not go
ahead and clean and grease the CV's while in there.

Just saying.....

John

On 3/22/2013 8:41 AM, Jim Felder wrote:
> I have tried the boots from everyone, and they all do this. Two years is
> about the most I have been able to get out of a set of boots before cracks
> appear. I have not tried the VW dealer, who wants $50 per boot, but I would
> like to hear from someone who has.
>
> I understand that you can get long lasting aftermarket boots to fit other
> more popular VW models that happen to fit the Vanagon. I think the mark II
> Jetta (don't remember if it's inner or outer, they're different) is one
> example my VW shop has had good performance with.
>
> Jim
>
> On Fri, Mar 22, 2013 at 8:30 AM, Craig Cowan <phishman068@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I've only driven my Syncro for a year. It took over a year toget it ready
>> and I'm not sure at which point I rebuilt my rear half shafts. At best,
>> they're only two years and about 10,000 miles old but I'm finding that
>> several of the boots are already cracking significantly. These where Rhein
>> boot kits purchased from ken willford.
>> What could cause this aggressive decay and how can I prevent it?
>>
>> -craig
>