Date:         Thu, 6 Nov 2014 21:07:33 -0800
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Assessing CV joints?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Is there an easier way to get an idea of the CV joint's condition without
taking it off the tranny?

  What I've got going is.... I am about to put the van up on stands and do
everything I can see to do under it before I begin what usually is a few
months and maybe 4k miles of winter time travel to (hopefully) warmer dryer
places ( 84 van with a 5sp and an inline 2.0 liter ABA (hybrid))   I have
been under there recently and more frequently than normal this
summer...first with a couple of wiring issues and then with a (related to
the wire issues) output shaft (axle) seal that was spewing gear oil on my
O2 sensor wires...
   The axle had been leaking for a month or maybe two, but the leak got
bigger till I began to worry about the gearbox...so I replaced that axle
seal, finally.    The adjacent (driver's side) CV boot was full of nice
blue Swepco gear oil mixed with the CV grease...So.... In went the new
seal.  I pulled back that CV boot and fished all the runny grease out and
repacked it with fresh...all while on the vehicle..... but I decided to
make sure it was in there properly before re-filling the transaxle with the
expensive Swepco that I use...so I topped it up and drove it now for about
a month...no leaks....
   I'd really like to just put the van on the stands and start her up and
listen for possible problems everywhere, without taking apart those nasty
axles.  My plan is to roll that drivers boot back and scoop out all that
grease again and again repack that CV..but is there a way to wiggle it,
pull and push the axle or listen as it spins with a tube or a stick? Or
something to avoid having to remove all the hexes again and deal with that
whole mess again....properly, I know....but again and as usual...my time is
limited....and I do have two spares in my parts bin that go along with
me...so
   I've changed the fuel pump and the filters.  I've checked the hoses and
the clamps and the single belt.   I bled the brakes when I put in a new
clutch slave.  I checked the pads and shoes.  Tires are still good, even my
off brand Go Forms, bought about 10k ago for $50 each and showing no wear
yet.
   So what is left is the wheel bearings and the CVs...and anything else?..