Date: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:54:08 -0800
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: syncro, prop shaft R&Rreport
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed
hi,
background: purchased '86 syncro this last summer, prop shaft out
because of vibrations, vc was assured to be ok. U joints on prop
shaft looked suspect, but i installed and yes, vibrations at 50-60
kph. Also vc was weak, not passing 2x4 test.
I replaced u joints on shaft (precision brand, #813), checked the fit
of the shaft and bushings on guibo end (nice and tight), and popped
shaft back in. Still vibrated at same speeds. Loosened front diff
mounting bolts, drove around, no difference.
Removed shaft, examined u joints, one was loose so I replaced circlip
with thicker one (u joints came with 2 sets of circlips). Checked
bushings and shaft fit again.
Today i put it back in, but before it was installed I did a quick
check on vc by using the volvo method outlined on document on my blog
(http://shufti.wordpress.com/). I got a value of 17 ft/lbs. Not much
eh? Confirms vc is weak.
It would would be interesting if others would do this simple and
quick test and post results, I bet there is a range of values.
Oh, and as well as putting prop shaft back in today, I replaced the
uniroyal laredo tires the van came with with some Nokian
Hakkapeliitta CS tires.
Road test: tires louder and firmer. Vibrations almost gone, A very
slight vibe at 60 kph, but its a narrow band and not bothersome (that
said, I will work to eliminate it).
Mud test: on the farm here there are ample spots to get stuck, and it
has been raining pretty hard the last 2 weeks. Last week with prop
shaft out and laredo tires on, I tried going up a curving, maybe 20%
hill, grass and clay/mud. I never made it, even with rear diff lock
on. Today, even wetter conditions, I made it up no bother, and no
diff lock.
i toodled around lumpy, uneven, sloping ground, grass over North
Saanich clay. Didn't get stuck, but the front wheels didn't "feel"
like they are doing much.
Conclusion: prop shaft vibes mainly due to "loose" u joints, either
when they were old worn out units, or new ones, not installed with
correct circlips. The "off road" performance I attribute mainly to
the great tires. Perhaps the vc is allowing a little torque to get to
the front, probably wishful thinking.
cheers
Alistair
'86 syncro 7 passenger
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/
http://shufti.wordpress.com
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