Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 08:14:59 -0800
Reply-To: mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: noise from transmission
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
This is most likely CV joint related, in spite of any "checking" a
mechanic may have done.
A simple and cheap way to check before spending $$ on a tranny is to
swap the CV axles. Remove both axles and install them on the opposite
sides of the tranny. If the noise goes away (as I suspect it will at
least for a while) the tranny is not the cause. If the noise changes
sides, the tranny is not the cause.
The noise may well be the sound of one of the rear axles moving
sideways. The CV joints allow the wheels to move up and down but when
this happens the CV axle assembly on that side gets long or shorter.
Shorter when the wheel is closer to the body and longer when it is
farther away. This same thing happens during turns due to body lean.
When the body leans one axle gets shorter and the other side longer.
This puts the CV bearings in different spots and when it hit worn spots
the axle can jump left or right each time the wear spot comes around.
When the CV joints get loose from wear, the axle moves side to side more
freely and this can result in noise.
Try this quick test yourself. Park on level ground with the tranny in
neutral and the parking brake off. Put blocks in front and behind one
front wheel to keep the van from rolling. Get on the ground and grab one
of the axles in it's middle. Try to force it toward and then away from
the tranny repeatedly. Very loose CVs will allow free movement and you
may even be able to make the axle clank.
A possible side effect of driving a lot with an axle hammering side to
side is that it may dislodge the rubber plug in the center of the flange
on the side of the tranny where the CV bolts on. This then allows tranny
oil to get into the CV and it's boot. Be sure to check the plugs for
tightness when the CV are off the tranny and if the CV grease is very
runny just get new plugs. They are cheap
Mark
"Greenamyer, William L" wrote:
>
> I have mentioned this before. I had a noise that seemed intermittant.
> Sounded like a CV. When the engine was rebuilt (both trans and engine
> removed), the mechanic checked for the noise and it appears to be coming
> from the trans. Further checking (driving tests) seems to indicate that it
> only makes the noise when there is a load on the engine and trans (be it a
> light or heavy load). The clanking noise is present to a great extent when
> going forward with a slight angle to the right. The sound all but vanishes
> when veering left. There doesn't appear to be any weakness or operational
> problems with the manual 4-speed on the 84GL. Anyone have any ideas as to
> what the problem might be? I am trying to get a feel for what I might be
> looking at before I take it in for more evaluation and possible repair.
>
> William
