Are you sure it's the CV-joint? That symptom sounds more like a failed
rear wheel bearing instead of a CV joint.

Yes, there are 4 CV-joints total. The only real "special" tool would be
the 12-point tool, or allen-head wrench, depending on what style bolt
you have. The torque on the screws (33 Ft-lbs, me thinks) is what holds
them in. I like to clean the bolts and threaded holes in the drive
flanges with zero-residue electrial cleaner, and use Loctite on the
threads of the bolts as extra insurance.

Fo the complete lowdown, take a look at :

http://www.relitech.com/tomc/cvjoints.htm

Take care!

Jeffrey R wrote:
>
> Knock, Knock.
> Who's there?
>
> I've got that CV joint knocking in the right rear when I make a right turn.
> I'm assuming that means the right rear CV joint or joints need to be
> replaced. That leaves me with three questions.
>
> 1. I believe there are two CV joints for each axle on each side (meaning 4
> total on the 2WD bus). How do I decide which right side CV joint needs to be
> replaced, inner or outer, or should they both be replaced?
>
> 2.Can I do the job without special tools or machinery? I see in Bentley the
> axel or something getting pressed out of the CV joint with a press. Can this
> job be done by a backyard mechanic without a press?
>
> 3.When replacing the axel what keeps the 8 or 10 allen bolts (or star pattern
> bolts) that connect each end of the axel from loosening. Do I replace the
> double holed washer/bracket type thing that the allen bolts go throught with
> new ones? Does that bracket work as a lock (washer) device? (After replacing
> the transmission and  12,000 miles some of the allen bolts on both sides of
> the trans. had come loose--lost some CV grease--I suppose that has added to
> the CV failure.)

--
TomC
tcarrington@relitech.com
http://www.relitech.com/tomc/tomvw.htm
85 Vanagon Crew Cab
82 Vanagon Westy diesel=>gas conversion
65 Notchback