No, I never fasten the axle end, as I noticed that the factory did not do it when I bought my 90 new. I drove that car for over 200k miles and didn't replace a boot. My 83 camper came to me with aftermarket boots and I have had to replace them at least four time in the ten years I've owned it. They seem to be worse as time goes on. I will try your Febi boots. 

Jim

On Apr 23, 2013, at 4:44 AM, Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM> wrote:

>        Jim, I do not see this problem with the FEBI ones I sell and use.  Are you securing the boot to the axle ?  If so, that may be your problem.  I find it's much better if the end of the boot on the axle is left to float free.  From my <www.frankcondelli.com/sales.htm> webpage: CV boot kit, FEBI, 5903, 251 598 201  -  $17.50       
> 
> 
> On 2013-04-22, at 10:48 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
> 
>> All this talk about CV joint cleaning and booting made me take a look at my
>> boots today, 9 months after putting four new ones on the car.
>> 
>> One has a gaping hole.
>> 
>> This is ridiculous that unacceptable that in 2013 someone can't even make a
>> CV joint boot that will hold up for a year.
>> 
>> Well, maybe somebody can, but who is it? Tell me and I will start buying
>> from them.
> 
> 
> 
> Cheers,    
> 
> Frank Condelli
> Almonte, Ontario, Canada
> '87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
> Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
> Vanagon Stainless Steel Exhaust Systems
> BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 06 ~ 09, 2013