Date:         Mon, 29 Jun 1998 19:30:16 -0400
Reply-To:     Lawrence Johnson <ljohnson@HALHINET.ON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <ljohnson@HALHINET.ON.CA>
Subject:      Re: loud trans clanging in reverse and first
Comments: To: Multiple recipients of list <vanagon@vanagon.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Fred

> <snip> my syncros clanging/lurching occurs most
> noticeably when using reverse after a long highway drive, but is also
> present in first gear when pulling out. <snip>

We found that after a long trip, the Viscous Coupling tended to lock up
more
quickly than it did on short trips. We concluded that it was heating up
because of different loads from the front and back wheels. This binding
was
causing our van to clang and lurch like yours.

We changed a number of things: new tires on all four; adjusted the tire
pressure to 43 psi front and 50 psi rear; replaced the differential oil
to
synthetic to Amsoil (SAE 80W-90 SYNTHETIC GEARLUBE  GL-4) in front
differential and rear transaxle; cleaned and repacked the CV joints
front and
rear.

We can't tell for certain which in particular cured this binding problem
but
it is 100% gone now.

Hope this helps,
Larry
'86 Syncro Westfalia