Date: Thu, 27 May 2010 20:02:20 -0700
Reply-To: Annie <lsandrsn@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Annie <lsandrsn@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Troubleshooting a noise
In-Reply-To: <BAY132-DS15CFEAF2333B6FC66FE50CA0EB0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Thanks Dennis.
This suggestion actually makes the most sense so far based on the noise and
feel of everything.
My mom reminded me that when my Uncle was working on it originally, he found
that the PO had actually put the brake pads on backwards. I'm not sure how
but that's what they did. The pads were still good, though (they looked
almost brand new). My Uncle turned them around and put them in properly
according to the Bentley manual. They stop well.
But anyway, maybe this noise is why the PO had them in backwards to begin
with?? Who knows. Maybe he thought the correct way was wrong because of the
noise so turned them around. I have no idea but I think it's highly
possible.
I think I'll try rotating the tires front to back like someone else emailed
me about as well as checking this out. I'll also check the door jamb sticker
with regard to tires like another person mentioned as well.
The tires currently on it are M+S, all season, 205 75R14, I believe. Made by
Goodyear? Not sure - I'll have to go look to be certain.
Be blessed,
~Annie
On Thu, May 27, 2010 at 5:13 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>wrote:
> Check the rear brake hubs to make sure they are properly torqued. Sounds
> like they may have loosened and you now have a rear hub bearing problem.
> The hub spines may also be damaged and now need to be replaced.
>
> As for 35 psi tire inflation read the door jamb sticker and upgrade the
> tires as needed.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Annie
> Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2010 4:29 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Troubleshooting a noise
>
> I've had my van back from the mechanic for about a month now. All has been
> fine and everything has been operating smoothly. I've made a few longer
> trips than normal (about three 100+ mile trips) so I've put about 750-ish
> miles on it over the past 4 weeks. Normally, I drive about 450 miles a
> month.
>
> Anyway . . . a couple of days ago, I began hearing a noise once I got above
> 30 mph. It sounds like a turbine engine or something! Very loud rubbing
> type
> of sound and makes things kinda vibrate. The noise is definitely louder in
> the back of the van than in the front. When I step on the brakes, there is
> a
> bit of shudder initially but then it goes away.
>
> The first day I noticed it, when I got home, I put it in park, and revved
> up
> the engine to see if would make any noise and the sound wasn't there. So, I
> ruled out an engine issue. After everything had cooled, I checked the oil
> as
> well as the transmission fluid. The oil was fine but the tranny fluid
> seemed
> a bit a low so I followed the procedure in the Bentley for that and ended
> up
> adding about 1/4 of a bottle.
>
> I went online and searched the archives here as well as on the Samba and
> from what I read, it sounded like perhaps the seal in the final drive of
> the
> transmission might be bad. I'm not entirely sure, though, because it shifts
> well - no odd noises when shifting (it's an Auto trans, btw), it shifts
> smoothly and seems to operate as it should.
>
> So, last night after my mom and I went for a drive so she could hear the
> noise, we called the mechanic (who happens to be my Uncle) and he said
> perhaps it could be something else with the wheel bearings. He told me to
> let it cool down and then this morning to check the air in the tires (they
> were a bit low - 29 to 30 psi and recommended is 35 so I filled them to
> 33).
> I then drove to town on the highway as he recommended to see if there was
> any change in the noise at higher speeds.
>
> What I found is this - when I'm starting from a dead stop, there is no
> noise
> in 1st gear - everything sounds normal. If I take it nice and slow, the
> noise doesn't begin until I hit about 26-27 mph and am in Drive. BUT - if I
> start from a dead stop and proceed at a normal accelerating speed, the nose
> starts immediately after the tranny shifts to 2nd gear - regardless of what
> speed I'm going. At this level, though, it is not as loud but it is
> beginning.
>
> I also noticed that the sound is loudest between 26 mph and up to about 45
> with the absolute loudest being right around 30 to 35 mph. Once I get above
> 45, it's still there but the rumble isn't quite as reverberating and loud.
> It seems to kind a mellow out some at about 50.
>
> There is no loss of power what-so-ever and like I said, the tranny shifts
> nice and smoothly. Also should note that it has 2 brand new axles on the
> rear as well as all bearings and what-not. There is no weird feelings or
> thumping noised when turning or anything either.
>
> If anybody has any idea what it could be, please let me know!!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Be blessed,
> ~Annie
>
>
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