Date:         Tue, 29 Aug 2000 16:41:43 -0400
Reply-To:     Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject:      Vibration/Growl problem?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Please Help,

For the past month we've been experiencing a growling noise and a
vibration felt through the steering wheel on our '86 Syncro Westfalia.

We had just had the 4 wheels aligned and mounted 4 new tires so
naturally, this is what I suspected was the cause. We changed the tires
and the symptoms still persisted and we plan to have the alignment
rechecked is a week or two.

The vibration/growl is noticeable within the first mile of driving off
after having parked for a couple of hours. The vibration then
lessens/disapears only to return again after 60-70 miles (100 km) but to
a much lesser extent.

I have coasted while out of gear but the growl persists so I think I can
eliminate the engine/transmission as a cause. I have applied the brakes
(both parking and peddle) but there is no change in the growl. I have
removed the drive shaft to check the front differential but again to no
effect. I have jacked up each wheel and spun it by hand but I can't
hear/feel anything (I don't have a stethoscope). I have examined the CV
boots and they are in good shape and appear to have ample soft grease. I
have wiggled the steering wheel while on a straight road and I have
taken hard corners but the growl does not change in any way.

It feels as if something is binding and the vibration is a shuddering.
What more can I test.

I am beginning to suspect that one or more bearings are going. If so,
wouldn't I hear a change in tone on turns and wouldn't I hear/feel
something when I spun the wheels?

I am looking for guidance here.
-Larry
'86 Syncro Westfalia (our problem child)
'86 Syncro Doublecab (which I test for comparison with the Westfalia)