In a message dated 1/29/01 8:26:04 AM Eastern Standard Time, afox@USGS.GOV
writes:

<< I have heard some talk of CV joint making noises in the past.  Recently my
 2wd auto 86 gl westy has developed a knocking sound eminating from the left
 rear of the vehicle.  The sound increases in tempo as the van's speed
 increases.  When going fast it is hardly noticable (high tempo, other
 sounds drown it out?), but it is really noticable when just starting out on
 a cold day.  Any ideas?  Is it CV joint wear? how do i check them?  Any
 advice would be greatly appreciated, I'm a newbie but i promise i will try
 to answer other's questions when i have gained some more experience.
  >>

My Jetta has been doing the same thing recently. I am pretty sure that my CV
boot is torn. Actually, I know that it is, because when I looked at the car
to buy it, I noticed a small crack in the boot. It's just now starting to
click. Didn't get a chance to do the job yet. I hope to soon when it starts
to warm up. Anything in particular that I should look for, watch out for, or
make sure to do first? Never done a CV, not really looking forward to it
either.

--Paul--