Leak at Rear CV -Transaxle connection

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[MarkWard]

We have an owner running all 4 Tiguan boots. I wanted to see for myself. So far so good. Tiguan and the vanagon have 100 mm cvs. The Tiguan likely has an outer boot similar in design to your front outer boot. That’s why it specifies inner only for the Tiguan. At least I think that.
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[ZsZ]

[markf1]

OK. Planning to get:

https://www.vancafe.com/211501331B-p/211501331b.htm
And
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-cv-joint-boot-rear-inner-vag-1k0498201

Remaining questions:

1) The axles are new EMPI from GoWesty with @1k miles on them, should I be considering / are there better axels from different manufacturer?

2) Can anyone specify the seal I need to fix the leak at the transaxle and where I might be able to order it and get it shipped overnight?

Continued gratitude for all of your help!
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1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[dobryan]

[markf1]

Thanks Dave O. Unfortunately the shop in Grand Junction that put the new axles on threw away the originals that they took off.

I guess we will stick with the EMPI. However if here are any compelling reasons to use better VW OE then now would be the time to do that.
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1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[MarkWard]

Weddle has the seal and O ring. If it’s the seal, you don’t need the O ring. To replace the O ring, you need to unscrew the side cover and that requires a tool and some attention to detail. It sets backlash and bearing preload. In general, the O ring shouldn’t leak. It should have been renewed when the trans was done. That said, I had a new O ring split. More of that good rubber. The tool is not necessary, but something can be fabricated. Lots of clever tools on the Samba.

You also need to pay attention to the cv flange where the lip seal rides. If there is a groove, it will likely leak again. There is a thread for the speedi-sleeve repair.
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[djkeev]

If your guy is removing the empi joints, have him accurately measure the axle lengths.
There are different lengths, it would be good to know what you have on there.

There have been instances where off brand axle splines didn't mate with lobro joints,

There is a source for quality axles but I don't have a name or link. I think they focus on Porsche performance.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[markf1]

The super helpful info keeps coming from you samba folks.

Dave - I will me tion that to the mechanic.

Mark Ward - Do you happen to know the name of the seal and o ring from Weddle? I am having a hard time finding it on their site.

Thanks!
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1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[markf1]

Just talked with Greg aka Mr. GAS who did the transaxle rebuild. He seemed very confident that getting a speedy sleeve National Part #99177 was all that was needed to fix the transaxle leak.

He said that it was very common to have the drivers side leak at that location, which is what we have. He also said he puts speedy sleeves on all his rebuilds now. (not sure why he did not put them on ours?)
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1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[markf1]

yet more info.

Just spoke with a very helpful and knowledgeable guy at van cafe. the cv joints I linked to :
https://www.vancafe.com/211501331B-p/211501331b.htm

Those are NOT the ones most recommended for syncro who might offroad.

Instead the Lobro 944 are recommended. He is not sure they have them in stock and only available as a kit with boots that need to be thrown away.

https://www.vancafe.com/94433190100-p/94433190100.htm
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1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[djkeev]

I’m watching your dollar-O-meter spinning like an electric meter during a heat wave in August!!

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[markf1]

So - Shop cannot fit the new cvs and etc work into their schedule until later in May.

The leak is real slow and small. I cleaned it all off and we will drive to Durango (110 miles) to have the originally scheduled work done later this week. We'll see how much transaxle fluid leaks out along the way.

Mr. GAS thinks it's very unlikely that this would suddenly develop into a big leak such that we burn up the transaxle. (That would be of course unimaginably horrific at this point.) He thinks we are fine to go on a trip 600 miles estimate and get the work done later when the shop can work us in to their schedule.

Meanwhile I have just ordered these parts. It seems like the whole world is on back order for parts of all kinds so I wanted to get them now before they become back ordered.

Here is what I ordered. If anyone can double check that I got this right it would be much appreciated.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-cv-joint-boot-rear-inner-vag-1k0498201

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/porsche-cv-joint-gkn-94433190100

Thanks!
_________________
1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[markf1]

[MarkWard]

That leak is an annoyance leak and will be fine. Its when it stops leaking you need to be concerned.

There is a cap that will likely be destroyed when the CV drive flange is removed. Part number is 002 517 289A. It needs to be removed to access the circlip that holds the flange to the transaxle.
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[markf1]

Thanks Mark Ward. I guess I need 2 of those caps? 1 for each side inner joints.

I have a concern that the cv joints may not fit on the (new) EMPI axles we have on the van. No way to tell in advance and ordering kits with new axles sends an already very pricey situation into a much higher orbit. So..... gonna keep my fingers crossed and try not to worry too much about in advance (not my specialty)
_________________
1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[MarkWard]

Years ago, I ordered new complete CV shafts from Pelican parts. They were advertised as "New". What showed up were poorly reman'd cv shafts with some aftermarket reman joints. They took them back and complete refund.

Empi has been around since JC Whitney. In other words a long time. I imagine they are originally using stock spline joints. I don't see why they would come up with a proprietary spline, but you never know. I imagine its a safe bet for you that your joints will fit the splines you have.


As far as 944 vs VW thing, vs vanagon, It makes no sense that the 944 CV would be better in a lifted application. The working angles of a 944 are quite a bit less than a stock vanagon or vw thing. But, the internet says these are preferable.

2 plug caps one for each side.
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[joetiger]

[markf1]

thank you joetiger. helps me keep it in a realistic perspective.
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1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html

[markf1]

Ho. Lee. Phuq. I am thinking of doing some self harm.

If you have followed the history of this you may understand my extreme frustration.

On excellent advice from you all we just had the practically new empi cv joints and, supposed to be rockford but who knows what boots, already cracking at 3K miles, replaced.

GF drove van to sisters, 2.5 hours, where mechanics are with parts I ordered.

I sent the porsche GKN 944 cv joints:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/porsche-cv-joint-gkn-94433190100

And the audi boots:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/audi-vw-cv-joint-boot-rear-inner-vag-1k0498201

I did not realize the cv joints also had boots included. I had told the shop what I was supplying and why but that was a month ago.

So they put in the new cv joints but used the boots that came in the boxes with the cv joints. Not the better, audi boots. Ahhhhhhgh!

So, on their end they did not notice two sets of boots in the box and call to ask.

On my end I did not remind them and more important did not open the cv joint boxes and then find that they came with boots that I would have removed to avoid this hateful drain bamaging outcome.

So, my fault. Thats what I think and how I roll.

Now, I don’t know what we will do. Maybe return the still new audi boots and see how long the boots they put on last before cracking or maybe just pay them to put on the audi boots we still have.

That is my lame, sad and self inflicted tale.
_________________
1986 Westfalia Syncro
2.1 L Waterboxer
Some Westy supported adventure photos:
https://www.openrangeimaging.com/adventure.html