Date:         Thu, 15 Jan 2004 21:42:39 +0000
Reply-To:     tp@WHSMITHNET.CO.UK
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tony Polson <tp@WHSMITHNET.CO.UK>
Subject:      Front end seems wrong (fwd)
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References: <s0066a5d.066@ns1.hawkcomputing.com>
In-Reply-To: <s0066a5d.066@ns1.hawkcomputing.com>
From: tp@whsmithnet.co.uk
To: VWNut Hawk <vwnut@HAWKCOMPUTING.COM>
Subject: Re: Front end seems wrong
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2004 21:39:34 +0000
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VWNut Hawk writes:

> My blue 84's front end seems to move around a lot more than my brown
> 84.
> They both do not have power steering.
> The front tires between the two vehicles are different.
> In windy conditions it's scarey to go over 62 mph as the front end
> wants
> to dip or bounce or something.
> I've checked the shocks and the stabilizer arm and can't determine
> anything wrong.
> I don't feel any slop in the steering wheel like the gears are worn or
> anything.
> The front end was aligned and the tires are wearing evenly.
> It just seems to float around too much.


Hi Hawk,

Dip and bounce, floating at the front, scary in the wind above 62mph?
Sounds just like my Vanagon!  <g>

You might want to get another Vanagon owner to drive it, and let him/her see
how it compares.

You might have worn ball joints, track rod ends and/or suspension/steering
bushes.  None of these is totally and easily obvious without specialist
knowledge and workshop facilities.

If your suspension and steering are in good condition, the Vanagon will
still float a little in the wind.  Fitting the VW five-piece front spoiler
is one of the few ways to make a Vanagon stable in high winds.

Good luck.

Tony