The CV joints on our 71 Automatic Notch sound a bit grindy under load. Just as you accelerate. Once in top gear or if you coast they go quiet. At least the local mechanic seems to think it will be the CVs. Any other diagnosis from people who dont run to close the gate on an aircooled Dub would be appreciated.
I've got a reasonably good set off our 74 Super bug, the CVs look the same but wut the shafts look a bit shorter. Could I change the joints over on the shafts to get it on the road until I can get new CVs?
Course it had to happen the week I needed it!

You have one shaft shorter and one shaft longer than the manual shafts(type 1 or 3), CVs are the same.

Thanks Brent. Might change them over onto the Notch shafts. Not really convinced that it is the CVs. But if I Change them and the noise stops then its easier than a transmission problem.

you really should pull the CVs apart and clean n inspect if there starting to Gaul or pit chuck them

will save you a lot of time in the long run

you can mix n match centers n outers or just buy a new set make sure you get good boots

Will give them a full clean and inspect before they go in. Does the noise issue sound like CVs?

They won't have all shit themselves at the same time- grab the half shafts and push up and down at each CV joint and look for excess movement - then hold the inner one tight and slowly rotate the wheel back n forth and look for excess play- if one is noisy you will find play in it. When found,replace with one your happy with, wash and repack them all. Guess first thing to check for is a rooted boot- that's normally a good indication of which one is u/s

as per above ripped CV boots are a thing to look for

they usually make a clinking noise not constant check where the ball fits in the race smooth n polished is good pitting is bad

Make a note of their rotating direction and reverse them when when you put them back together, makes them last much longer

Cheers guys.
I've given them all a close look and checked for play. None seem to have any issues. No rooted boots but quite a bit of oil around governor (passenger side) of the box and along the trans pan edge. There is quite a bit of oil around the drive cover plate as well, im assuming that would be seals that are weeping. Is the diff seperate from the gearbox oil wise on an auto or will they be running in auto trans oil?
I would have expected a more clicking sound if it were the cv joints rather than a rasping sound.
In the cab the sound is amplified through the airvents. It anly occurs on acceleration in low and second gear and stops once in drive or not under heavy load. Shifts don't seem to be as precise as previously either. Most likely a good opportunity for a full box overhaul.

Been a while since I played with one- you mean the governor tin cover with the wire clip. From memory the gov. Shaft has an o ring. Good luck stopping the pan leaking.I have tried a few different methods- but they always weep.What is the drive cover plate? The diff uses a normal 80/90 type diff oil and the auto has normal ATF.Is the motor running ok ? Hasn't got a vacuum leak to the modulator affecting throttle pressure in the trans.

the noise could be loose heads, so take the rocker gear of and retighten the lower head nuts and reset valves, I don't think you can accurately tell the condition of CVs without dismantling them

Would loose heads show up with the engine running but not under load from the trans Steve? Engine seems fine when driving, no loss of oil, but won't hurt to check.

Side cover for the diff, nbturbo. Will check the diff oil this arvo. Had a feeling it wouldn't be running in ATF.
Vaccuum seems ok. Just read the manual on how to test it. Will try that once I get a useable gauge.
How did the show go last weekend?

Loose heads sound like an exhaust leak when under power and at higher the engine speed it can sound like really quick

I pulled one of my spare T3 autos out and cant find a side cover for the diff.Can you do a pic please.Show went really well,we had 6 VW's amongst a really good selection of cars including Aussie Muscle Cars.3 really top class hot rods and a bit of everything else.On my way home today from Town,I called into Pirie to check on the Drag Car-he has fitted the new Wolf ECU,completly rewired the car from the ECU back,fitted 2 new ignition modules right alongside the coil packs and promised me it will be ready to be picked up in a weeks time-I am sure hoping.

loose head noise http://www.ratwell.com/mirror/Muir/loosehead.wav 

Thanks Steve. At least I know its not that now. Mines more only at slow speed, not much power on, just taking off.
Hey Nbturbo, we're at Morgan Saturday for a BBQ near the ferry if you want a drive. Should be a few Dubs.