when to service Cs & ATF
 

this is on a VW Vanagon, so it's here in OT

don't think I can stand to repack the CVs myself anymore or to R&R them -- esp. on a freeeekin' VW & not exactly enamored of the idea of dropping the trans. pan to replace the ATF

so, I was calling around different shops & got different info:

one shop said $25 to redo the CVs with new GKN boots (there are boots from China that fall apart so brand can be important)

another shop said don't worry about having 45,000 miles on the CVs (maint. spec. book says every 30k) - just run them until you hear noise - as long as the boots are intact & not torn

the latter shop also said don't worry about changing the ATF - just run it as long as it smells good (sweet), looks good (clear) and is full


So, any thoughts on this?? I would love to not spend $1,000 to have both jobs done by a shop. I can inspect the CVs no problem, but will not not not do them myself.

OTOH, I sure don't want to set myself up for a breakdown in the wilds somewhere, or to have a big expense b/c routine maint. was neglected.

I like the second shop. If you can see the boots are solid and the CV's are quiet. Leave em. As for the ATF, I agree with that too. ATF is pretty great stuff and if clean, does the job. I watch for low fluid level as heat will kill an auto trans VERY quickly.

If you are in the boonies, you could limp out with noisy CV's and old ATF. Go camping. Forget it.

Larry

ps - maybe I should show you a pic of my Oregon outdoors rig. Ugly, functional, and reliable. 1991 3/4 ton suburban.

Replace the transmission fluid. Its a good fluid but heat breaks it down. Its really easy to do so even a shop will only charge $300-$350. Just don't do a flush and only do a pan drop and filter replacement.

CV shafts are generally fine for at least 60K. Rebuilt shafts are generally so cheap I would just run them until they are clicking.

Thx. I think I'll do the ATF, but maybe not 'till winter. I understand there is a filter that needs to be changed too.

I'll inspect the CV boots and check the bolt torque.

BTW - as a graduate student, I spend so much time bouncing around in the OryGun desert in 3/4 ton suburbans that I can barely stand to look at the things now. My MS advisor DID peform a high speed take-out of a half mile of barbed wire fence with one tho. Very exciting.

You seem to know everything about every subject in the world, so why post asking a question? Pull it out of your XXX like you usually do? :)
'
Joe A