Will--

Unless there is something different about the Vanagon (from the T2) that I
don't know about, it is easy to swap the half axles side to side (put the
entire driver' side 1/2 axle w/ CV's on the passenger side and vice versa
in reverse).

This swap isn't a cure, and may only buy you another 30-90k, who knows? The
Moly grease you need isn't $10...you can buy a big tub of Valvoline moly
grease for a few bucks at your FLAPS. Some would say "while you have those
half axles off you ought to thoroughly clean the joints and replace the
boots". Poppycock.

Reiterating what I have said before, "taint worth the time". If you are
going to go through all that trouble, just BUY NEW 1/2 axles. You can get a
couple for around $300 though a FILV (Furry, Independent, List Vender)

Just slop a good glob of grease into each joint, work it in well, and put
the whole axle on the other side. Start putting one Schlitz out of the six
back on the shelf before purchase, and pocket the savings. In no time,
you'll have the money for your half axles. (This is how we saved the money
for our summer home in Tuscany). :)

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
Cary, NC     USA
www.bulley-hewlett.com
(888) 468-4880 toll free

-----Original Message-----
From:   Wil Haslup [SMTP:dhaslup@EROLS.COM]
Sent:   Friday, March 19, 1999 12:40 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        CV joint repair?

I asked about the knocking sound in the back of my '80 manual 2 wheel drive
VanagonL a while ago and still haven't gotten it fixed yet.  I've stopped
driving it until I can come up with the cash to either do it or have it
done.

My question is:

I've heard a rumor that you can swap the inner for the outer and the worn
spot moves so just by repacking you may avoid having to replace the joint.

Is this true?  How bad can the wear be?

I'm thinking I might do this and repack all four.  That's about $10 in CV
joint grease compared to the $120-140 I've priced the new joint at.  (Of
course having it done at my trusty mechanic would be a couple hours work
plus the part.)

Any thoughts???

--Wil Haslup

Sincerely
--

Wil

<tsb>
-- dhaslup@erols.com - http://www.erols.com/dhaslup -
<tsb>

I like work ... I can sit and watch it for hours.

<tsb>