Date:         Fri, 2 Jul 2010 17:49:58 -0600
Reply-To:     Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Thumping Noise - Wheel CV Joint Bearing?
Comments: To: SyncroHead@aol.com
In-Reply-To:  <54c.7ae19a58.395fcdc4@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Jim,

Have you jacked the entire rear off the ground so you can turn and "wiggle"
each wheel to see if that happens to replicate the noise or indicate
looseness
in the bearing? You're right of course, wheel bearings just don't very often
"go" ... but I've replaced both rears 2 times each for some reason, over
only 8 years. The noise mine made is that rrrrrrr   rrrrrrrrr      rrrrrrrrr
one,
especially on turns or swerving.

bob .... wondering if one of your new tires isn't round?

On Fri, Jul 2, 2010 at 5:18 PM, Jim Davis <SyncroHead@aol.com> wrote:

> Hi friends!
>
> My 1984 Westy is making a new noise.  I've searched the archives but
> haven't found an answer and am hoping for some help here.
>
> I have a mild "thumping" noise that seems to be coming from the right/rear
> wheel area. The noise is sort of a low pitch thumping, not a clicking or a
> clacking.  Sounds sort as if something is rubbing.
>
>
> The noise frequency moves up and down with vehicle speed.
>
> It makes the noise only when I accelerate or have reasonable power
> applied. In other words, when the wheel/axle is under  load. Otherwise when
> I'm at
> a steady speed on level ground there is no  noise.
>
> Axles/CVs: The entire axle/CV joint assemblies on both sides are new.
> They were not the most expensive I found, but still, being modestly priced,
> I
> wouldn't expect this from brand new joints. I've checked the joints bolts
> and confirmed they're all tight.
>
> Brakes:  When I replaced the axles I also did the brakes, so there are
> turned drums, new shoes, and new wheel cylinders. Does not sound like a
> shushing  or scraping noise like brakes can sometimes make.
>
> Wheels/Tires:  Tires are new, but I suppose could be out of balance,  but I
> suspect I'd feel this as a vibration, not hear it as a noise.
>
>
>
> This van is being restored and previously only towed it, so I don't know if
>  the noise would have been there before the recent work. Upon the first
> couple  test drives, there was no thumping sound but it started to appear
> after
> about 15  miles.
>
>
> One thing I don't know about is the bearings between the CV  joint and the
> brake hub.  Over many years, I've yet to have an issue  or even look at
> these in any of my vans. Could this be the source of the  noise?
>
> What should I suspect is making this noise?
>
> Jim Davis
>