Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 21:11:05 -0500
Reply-To: John Rodgers <inua@HIWAAY.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <inua@HIWAAY.NET>
Subject: Re: Vibration/Growl problem?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
That growl and vibration sounds classic for moving towards bearing failure.
With the vehicle weight off the wheels it's hard to tell just by turning the
wheel.But if you grab the wheel at the top and bottom and rock it back and
forth, you should detect excess play. Change them before you find yourself
stranded in an inconvenient place at an inconvenient time.
John Rodgers
88GL Driver
Lawrence Johnson wrote:
> 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)
| 
