Date:         Sun, 28 Aug 2005 16:48:19 -0600
Reply-To:     jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Subject:      Front end vibration
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Had a front end vibration that developed over a couple months from just
noticeable to a severe one.  The vibration also varied with speed from about
65 mph to its severest at about 75 to 80mph.

Queried the list as I could not find any item that bad.
Have now done the following.

Replaced a wheel bearing that was from feel just at edge.
Some vibration gone (was a difference to the feel of the vibration)
Rechecked the balance on the tires.
A little more gone and vibration shifted up to about 70mph and again a
different feel to the vibration.
Replaced drivers side ball joint and then tested.
Speed points stayed the same but severity dropped noticeably.
Replaced the passenger side ball joint.
Speed point now shifted to 80 to 85 and the vibration that is left is very
minor and may now be alignment related.

When I was getting opinions a guy that aligns heavy vehicles for a living
wanted to know what the alignment procedures for the vanagon were.  When I
told him the Bently procedures he said with the mods I have been doing I
need a new alignment after I got the vibration taken care of.  Will now be
looking at getting a new alignment done if I can find a shop that knows how
to follow the procedure.
jimt