Date:         Sun, 11 Dec 2005 16:01:03 -0800
Reply-To:     Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Speaking of horrible squealing noises...
In-Reply-To:  <20051210222643.31251.qmail@web32803.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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There is a possiblity for your noise that happenned to me. If you are careful, you can probably get rid of the chunk of rust or other debris that has gotten itself wedged in the groove in the back of the brake drum. The groove in the drum has the lip from the edge of the backing plate in it. The groove will narrow and get shallower as the drum rusts, eventually fouling the backing plate. Use a standard-bladed screw driver, or small chisel, and drag the tool around the exposed part of the groove. That might let you find the worst spot, where the contact is occurring. I ended up pulling the drums to get the groove cleared out after all, but you can try this. Since you aren't taking anything apart, it shouldn't hurt anything. The reason it appears when under power may indeed be worn bearings, but there are likely at least two problems interacting here...

Niall Mac Caughey <nmacc@YAHOO.COM> wrote:  I've got one too, but mine only appears when mobile. It is unfortunately, very consistent.

It started a while ago as a faint "squeak, squeak" when rolling, but has now developed into a "SQUEAL, SQUEAL SQUEAL" that turns heads. I originally suspected a warped disk/rubbing caliper; alas no. It seems to be coming from the rear passenger side and it is only present when the engine is delivering power.

It doesn't matter how much power, the squeal is the same, it only changes in repetition rate as the speed goes up. It disappears instantly when coasting or when the clutch goes in.

The weather has been too cold and... O.K., I admit it, I'm too chicken to crawl underneath lest I find something horrible. I suspect CV joints or a rear wheel bearing, but I'm worried it might be the gearbox or final drive.

Any suggestions?

Niall




Evan Mac Donald

1984 Wolfburg
1985 GL 7 Pass.
1991 Carat Weekender
1972 Chevy P/U
1993 Bonneville