Stripping The Joints

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West

You have succeeded in life when all you really want is only what you really need.
Howard

We whipped off the remaining rear axle shaft and stripped the C.V. joints. Careful to mark and number all of the respective parts, we cleaned them carefully and packed them into individual containers. Two of the protective rubber boots are damaged beyond use, the remaining two are probably still servicable. One of the joints looks slightly different to the other three - perhaps it has been serviced or replaced at some time. I asked my Dad but he can't remember ever having done this.

Close inspection shows some miniscule marking on the inner races of a couple of the joints. I doubt very much that this shall warrant replacement but I'll have them checked out by a pro during the week. Usually they are only replaced if badly pitted, very loose or making strange noises. These are fairly snug and ran quietly (when they last moved, five years ago!)

The one with the badly damaged boot had a clump of dried grease inside and is one of the two that has a little scarring. The remainder were packed full of gooey, slimy grease which was a real mission to clean out. New boots shouldn't be hard to source, although my favourite parts supplier has shut down. If someone has taken over the business of Beetle Beauties then please let me know - the shop has been cleaned out and there is no apparant forwarding address.


Thanks for stopping by
CooP