I have to somewhat disagree with your statement on the Bentley manual.  I
think the Bentley manual for the Vanagon is not designed for the novice
mechanic.  There is a lot of detail in this book, far more than Chilton and
the like.  I find the Vanagon doesn't hold you by the hand as much as for
example the 80 thru 84 Rabbit / Cabrio / Scirocco manual does - this is an
excellent manual for the novice mechanic.  The Audi manuals are the same,
lots of detail but not lots of how to do.  Some people call them Bentley
Bibles, I call them a reference book!

To answer your question on the CVs.  You need a special "triple square" 8mm
hex socket.  Mine cost me about $8 CAD and it is made by KD Tools, Snap-on
also makes one for a LOT more cash.  Before you begin the job, go to the
dealer and get some spare CV bolts.  Sometimes they are in there pretty
good and you have to get the trusty drill revved up.  Another point - don't
replace these bolts with allen head bolts.  The VW CV bolts are extremely
tough and are almost impossible to strip - unlike the allen bolts.  Another
helpful hint - take some brake cleaner or some other degreser and clean the
bolt heads off for a more positive grab with the 8mm key!

At 21:47 02/05/1999 -0700, Zezoff wrote:
>I have Mercedes manuals and they are incredible.  I suggest you all buy a
>used Mercedes instead of VWs.  I own both, so I speak from experience.
>
>I love my Vanagon.  As you all know why the Vanagon is a great package.
>
>The right rear outer CV joint boot is spitting grease.  I want to change it
>before it is damaged.  How do I remove the axle with the two cv joints?
>What socket is used, 8 mm allen???
>
>The Westy is a 82 diesel.  The Bentley manual gives me no clue at all.
>
>Bobby
>Folsom  CA
>
>

--   David Marshall - Vanagon List Admin - Quesnel, BC, Canada   --
--    78 VW Rabbit, 80 VW Caddy, 87 Audi 5KSQ, 85 VW Cabriolet   --
--  88 2.0L VW Syncro Double Cab, WANTED: VW / Bombardier Iltis  --
-- David's Volkswagen Home Page        http://www.volkswagen.org --
-- Fast Forward Autobahn Sport Tuning  http://www.fastforward.ca --
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