Date:         Mon, 1 Aug 2011 22:09:03 -0700
Reply-To:     Cunegonde <cunegonde.van.westfalia@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Cunegonde <cunegonde.van.westfalia@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Rear Suspension Noises
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

This week was the first substantial scrambling-on-washouts test of the Yokohama Geolandar M+S 215/70 tires on Audi 15" rims, plus HD rear springs plus new front Biltstein struts,  and rebuilt spindles and front wheel bearings. 1.9l WBX and all, we went everywhere around Mt Baker we pleased, up to the differential in melting snow. In 1st/2nd gears all day long. But with the windows open, what are those horrible clanks, bangs, and whirring noises from the rear?! 

Whirring correlating to road speed:
Trans fluid is just a tad overfull of Redline, as I prefer. 
I just serviced both driver side CV joints - perhaps the passenger side needs love, or could it be the rear bearings? (given the front driver side bearing failed this spring from age and torque from big new rims and tires) 
Neither rear wheel yaws or moves when manipulate off the ground, at least when my weak self tries.
Could a dragging brake shoe make the whirring/rubbing noises?
Clanks:
I see the dying stock exhaust/c-pipe is no longer perfectly attached at both ends, just the center strap. Will order a new one and more of the associated little struts (anybody have a full set for sale?)
I know the rear shocks are badly worn and WILL be replaced this winter - could it be trashed bump stops or some other bushings making those awful clanks?