Date:         Sat, 26 Nov 2016 18:37:52 -0800
Reply-To:     Patrick Spragge <spraggepat@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Patrick Spragge <spraggepat@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Suspension noises (Clunks) 1991
Comments: To: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAB2RwfhgeCMEAx-HZmfAxKhUqDiBRfShKxqPAHUS02EYfaAUpw@mail.gmail.com>
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Neil,
I had what sounds like a similar noise on my 89 Westy...checked all bushings and ball joints and no problems found.  Traced it to a bad passenger side shock. Replaced all of them and no noise and much improved ride. The old shocks were KYB Gas 

Patrick 

> On Nov 26, 2016, at 6:03 PM, Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Is clunk noise speed dependent? Try holding the van at top side then
> rock it side to side. Do this at each corner. See if that causes a
> clunk sound. Since it's a clunk-rattle, worn or loose shocks?
> 
>> Just wondering if the group would have any ideas of potential causes for
>> what seems like suspension loose sounding Clunky noises coming from below

>> the floor (front and back). I am not expecting a diagnosis, just who the
>> usual suspects would be.
> 
> I"m certainly no expert but given the age of these vehicles, looking
> for "usual suspects" may not apply. e.g. on my '81, the radius rod had
> worn out the hole in frame to an oval shape. The sound of the rod
> shifting in the hole then slamming against the metal produced an
> intermittent clunk noise.
> 
> Neil.
> 
> 
>> On 11/26/16, Rick N <vwfridge@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I am a recent owner of a 1991 Vanagon GL Westfalia It has been very well
>> maintained (I have all maintenance records since new, it was a one owner
>> vehicle)
> 
>> 
>> The only issue is the somewhat nasty suspension(?) noises when driving over
>> rough pavement, manhole covers, dips etc.. The PO said he had it checked
>> out and gave me a quote for a complete ball joint repair. I have since
>> brought into a reputable VW shop. This shop determined that the ball joints
>> and bushings where fine, the only thing that was worn where the sway bar
>> bushings (which they replaced). It seems to ride a little bit quieter but

>> the major clunk rattle is still there.
>> 
> 
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Rick
>> 
> 
> 
> --
> Neil n
> 
> Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
> 
> 1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
> 
> 1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>

> 
> Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>