This was not a difficult job on my '81 Pickup, though I agree it can be
messy.  If you are cleaning and reusing the CV joint, mark each piece (and
the ball bearings) in a way that you can put it back together exactly as
it was.
        Because you definitely do not want to do this twice, the
conventional wisdom is that if there is any question of damage to the
joint itself, replace it.  I have heard it said that if you get to the
point where the sound of the CV joint alerts you to the fact that the boot
is torn, then its too late for the joint.  I ended up replacing two and
repacking one.  So far so good.
        In the FWD VW realm, using OEM Lobro German joints and boots is
hightly recommended.  Again, lots of labor, relatively inexpensive parts,
so why skimp.  The kits come with new bolts, which is key.  And use your
torque wrench, obviously.

Good luck.
Alan.
'81 Pickup 4 CV joints
'87 Syncro Westfalia 8 CV joints (ouch)

On Thu, 18 Nov 1999, Jeff Stewart wrote:

> I have a '76 Westy, but I'd guess it pretty much the same. This job is not
> that *difficult*, but takes a while and is messy ( where clothes you won't
> mind throwing away when you're done) IMHO, make sure you have good quality
> boots. I've *heard* Rockford are among the best. This was my biggest problem.
> I ordered mine from RMMW, and they started showing cracks within WEEKS of
> being installed, one has now torn through completely. This is not a job you
> want to do over again anytime soon after you've already done it. I know RMMW
> has their "lifetime warranty", and will probably replace the boots or refund
> my money, but that's little comfort given what a nasty job it is.
> Jeff S.
>