Mark, From a Syncro'naught' From my experience a whine or howl while the vehicle is in motion and coasting would indicates a possible failure of the mainshaft bearing. I have noticed that they tend to 'rumble' moreso than 'whining' but have heard both cases. Obviously, I can't give you a more accurate diagnosis over the 'net and I would suggest taking it to a compentent VW mechanic in your local area for that. *If* it is the mainshaft bearing failing then you should seriously consider having the transaxle rebuilt. When that bearing finally fails it tends to allow the mainshaft to move back and forth resulting in broken 3rd and 4th gear sets. The last time I priced new gear sets they were $250 each! Combine that cost with the rebuild cost and you can see that it quickly adds up. Remember that this is a physic reading on my part and you maybe hearing 'normal' type gear whine from the trans but your local mechanic should be able to determine that. Todd Hill VolksWerks Transaxles // VW dealer mechanic Olympia, WA ps- The 3rd/4th gear hub also tends to crack on these transaxles and that can also lead to a 'whine' type noise as it loads and unloads. |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.