Date:         Tue, 20 May 2008 08:52:35 -0700
Reply-To:     neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Time to change rear drive axle??
Comments: To: barriver witch <barriverwitch@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <BLU144-W2809008AF5716DB7DBDF10A5C40@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

If you're referring to the actual rear wheel bearing, it would make a
rumbling noise if failing. You can check for play in the bearing with
the wheel off the ground. (play may be present before sounds happen)
CV bearings are a different sound. Most typical is a "click click
etc." or light "clacking". There are 4 CV's. Drive in circles in a
parking lot (CW and CCW) to listen for sounds.

The vibration you feel could be due to many things. Something simple
like wheel balancing, or ?? You need to narrow down what it may be due
to. Does it happen only when braking? At certain speeds? etc. At the
very least, get the wheels off the ground and have a look/feel.
Push/pull front wheels as a unit, at 12/6:00 and 3/9:00. Then do an
alternating L/R up/down push/pull at these positions as well.

There should be lots of info in the archives, (though I've noticed
they weren't working for me yesterday). Plus if you have a Haynes or
Bentley manual, (particularly the Haynes) it should explain some of
the basics of checking the various suspension parts. i.e. play felt at
a L/R push/pull at 12/6:00 might indicate play in a ball joint, or
control arm bushing.

Hope this helps. As I say *at least* feel, look and listen to stuff
with wheels off the ground.

Neil.



On Tue, May 20, 2008 at 8:25 AM, barriver witch
<barriverwitch@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Can anyone tell me the signs of having a bad rear bearing? or signs of it starting to go?? I have a long trip planned and don't really want to change it unless I have to...sometimes I feel a vibration,, not sure if it's the tires or not, or the bearings... any info will help
> thanks again
> Cindy
> 80 Westy..a.k.a charlie
> _________________________________________________________________
> Try Chicktionary, a game that tests how many words you can form from the letters given. Find this and more puzzles at Live Search Games!
> http://g.msn.ca/ca55/207



--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"

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