I finally replaced all my CV joints last summer (around 325K miles).  I'd
been getting an odd clanking noise from the right rear which no one has been
able to locate.  Decided that CVs were a possible suspect, so replaced all
four with used.  Clunk is still there, but at least now I have peace of mind
knowing I have CVs with less than 100K on them.  Replaced shocks and
bearings under same logic (Clunk still there).

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: Doktor Tim <doktortim@ROCKISLAND.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, December 27, 1999 2:26 PM
Subject: Re: Cleaning CVs

> At 02:26 PM 12/27/1999 -0600, you wrote:
> >From: "Stuart MacMillan" <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
> >> I have found that van CV joints are "lubed for life," unlike CV joints
> >> on lighter cars.  In my experience since 1974 their life is about
80,000
> >> to 100,000 miles no matter what you do.
> >
> >i have to disagree here ... with periodic regular maintence, cv joints
can
> >last well over 100,000 miles ... even up to 200,000 miles. the trick is
to
> >pull them down and clean them and regrease them at regular intervals. the
> >recommended interval is two years or 30,000 miles.
>
> Sorry, Stuart, but I have to agree with Joel that periodic maintenance
will
> make a big difference in longevity of CV's. Very few people think it
> realistic to spend some 3 to 4 hours or more to service 4 joints. There is
> labor savings in replacing them, about 10 minutes per joint. Consider,
> however, if you clean the bolts properly for removal each time on a 30,000
> mile interval, there is much less cleaning time required than if they have
> been in there for 100,000.
>
> I can think of no exceptions to this finding. CV's that have failed not
due
> to a torn boot are typically covered with a 1/4" of weepage and dirt and
> the screw heads are pack nearly full. Figure a minute or two for each of
> the 24 bolts just to prepare them for removal and we're talking $30 to $60
> labor. It might take 10 seconds tops to clean the 30,000 mile bolts.
>
> All that before you get those axles in hand and perform the "gobs of
> grease" ritual.
>
>
> T.P. Stephens aka Doktor Tim
> Surveyor, Mechanic, Poet, Philosopher
> San Juan Island, WA
>