Rebuilding them isn't hard at all and like you said it's a but messy but cloves and soap take care of that. I just have been having a hard time finding parts for this car because so many sites provide limited information. Seams like they show you a generic picture then say CV stuff. haha.

 

Blauparts and ECS both have good CV joints for B5's. I believe blauparts even goes so far as to require your VIN # to make sure.

 

Awesome! I went to both sites. I was only able to find CV boot Kits for the car I'm working on, on the ECS site.

On Blauparts I might have found what I'm looking for..?

Not sure what one is right though.

Audi B5 A4 FWD 1.8T > Drivetrain > Driveshafts > ES#1952 Outer CV Joint Repair Kit - Priced Each - 8D0498099B

Audi B5 A4 FWD 1.8T > Drivetrain > Driveshafts > ES#205317 Outer CV Joint Repair Kit - Priced Each - 8D0498099B

I don't get how they have the same MFG# but different ECS#'s then they have a price difference..

 

Ok I finished the clutch and CV joint over the weekend. Put it all back together, hooked the battery back up and the car wouldn't start. Charged it up and after a while it started. Radio is now in safe mode and the code card isn't in the car and they don't know where it is at. Then I got a call the next day saying that the battery seamed dead because the car wouldn't start again... Any help on getting the safe mode off. They are getting the battery tested and maybe replaced today.

 

If you don't have the code anywhere you'll need to visit a dealer, they can give you a code based on your VIN or the radio serial code. It'll probably cost you around $20 and you'll likely need the ownership and an ID too though, it depends on the individual dealer, some do it for free no questions asked, some need documentation and charge $60+ just because they can.

 

Is it possible you pinched a wire between the engine and transmission bell housing? I pinched a starter wire between engine/transmission, and my car definitely wouldn't start. Unless it really is your battery, or maybe alternator.

 

No pinched wires. They got the battery tested and it was bad. This car hasn't been taken care of very well. Last oil change was 9/7/11. It has the brake light flashing ABS light is on and the Air Bag light is also on.

Looks like I'm going to be putting new brakes on also now. All you can hear now when driving is the brakes grinding... I can't belive how people can let a car go like this.