Date:         Mon, 15 Apr 2002 13:13:58 -0500
Reply-To:     "Terry K." <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Terry K." <CTONLINE@WEBTV.NET>
Subject:      Re: Front Suspension Noises
Comments: To: Dave Baker <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>
In-Reply-To:  Dave Baker <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>'s message of Mon, 15 Apr 2002
              12:46:41 -0500
Content-Type: Text/Plain; Charset=ISO-8859-1

Dave,

Put a floor jack under the lower control arm, right below the ball
joint---

Grab the tire, and yank on the the top of it--- if it's moving it is
probably the  upper control arm bushing's--maybe a ball joint--look as
you yank---


Later,

Terry


E-mail message From Dave Baker

Well, I have searched the archives but have not found a post that
relates specifically to the problem I'm experiencing with my 85 Westy
Multivan.
Here's the deal: My wife and I put about 500 pounds over the front axles
(most of this is her... hehehe... but don't tell her I said that.)
Recently, I have noticed that when I make right hand turns, especially
when going down a steep hill with the brakes applied, I hear "spring
noises" and a groan from the front end. I would think that it's a wheel
bearing except for the fact that I also hear what sounds like a large
spring being forced to perform unnatural acts. In straight and level
driving, Wolfgang handles beautifully, and I have no problem keeping him
on the road.   Front shocks are fairly new -- less than 5k miles on
them I would guess. New steering box...
I have crawled underneath and done a visual inspection plus yanked and
pulled on everything I could get my hands on, and everything looks ok.
The problem is also significantly less severe (if entirely unnoticeable)
when I'm by myself.
Any ideas out there?
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Dave in KC
85 Westy