[Vwdiesel] cv joints ?

[Val Christian]

Sounds like your analysis is the most probable cause.

They can fail in a bad way, so if they are both bad, then
start soaking the mounting flanges with penetrant oil,
and get the short axles in so you can so a swap.

The 81 rabbit uses a 8mm triple square.  I havn't broken that tool
yet (close, but not broke).  If they're on real tight use
a small 3/8" impact tool, or augment with vicegrips on the 
cap head when you try to remove.

Triple squares areeasy to find these days, but get a reasonably beefy
one (3/8" drive)  Don't get a 1/4" bit with 8mm triple square.

Check the heads when you do the presoak a day or two before the repair.

Good luck.  Wise choice on the rebuild shafts.  I've done 
quite a few CV joints, and I almost always do it the hard way
replacing each joint on a shaft.  But getting the shaft
is nice because you get a lifetime warranty and it's easy to 
replace.

Good luck.

Oh, on e more thing...work some of the grease inside the joint around
with your fingers through the boot...on the old one, and see if it 
minimizes the problems you're having.  It won't fix things, but it 
might reduce risk, and buy you a little more time.

> 
> 
> My '81 diesel Caddy has an unusual sound.  It doesn't do it all the time but I want to know what it is if anyone has input on it.  When I first start out all is fine but after about 12-14 miles of stop-n-go city driving, there is a thump thump thump sound up front that increases with speed.  It has 125,000 actual miles and I've kep it in tip top condition.  Counld this be a CV joint going bad?  I also note that at slow first gear speeds on the expressway during rush hour riding in it feels as if the pavement has waves in it when it is actually quite flat.  I'm thinking about replacing both axle shaft shafts complete and with lifetime warranty - only $65 each side.  Thanks so much for your help!
>  
> Tom Norris
> '81 Rabbit LS diesel
> '81 Caddy diesel
> '83 Caddy LS diesel
> '03 Jetta wagon diesel
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