Date:         Mon, 30 Nov 1998 19:41:29 -0500
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@QUICKLINK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@QUICKLINK.NET>
Subject:      Re: Westy Wind Problems
Comments: To: Vanagon <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>

-- [ From: John Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --

I had this problem with my '85 GL. Driving around Turnagain Arm outside of
Anchorage was particularly hairy when the wind was blowing through Portage
Pass. Scared me to death the first time I experienced the infamous Vanagon
WigWag. Never did get it fixed. Just lived with it. New shocks did not help
at all. Traded eventually for a newer model...'88 GL. The problem is minimal
with it.

I suspect it is a function of age, and the only fix is to go through the
front suspension with all new bushings, etc. Also be sure the ball joints
are not worn.

Luck!!

John Rodgers
'88 GL Driver.
-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

Date: Monday, 30-Nov-98 07:01 PM

From: Dane Tessler             \ Internet:    (dane714@worldnet.att.net)
To:   Vanagon                  \ Internet:    (vanagon@vanagon.com)

Attachment: 00000001.unk Code: 05PACDS \ Created: Unknown [3 Kb]

Subject: Re: Westy Wind Problems

I think it's fairly clear that Vanagons and crosswinds will never mix well.
The fact that your problem is "progressively worsening" makes me wonder.....
...could it be your shocks?

Dane Tessler http://members.aol.com/Dane714/westfalia.html -----Original
Message-----
    From: Cam Murphy <murphys@HS-ONLINE.DE>
    To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM <vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
    Date: Monday, November 30, 1998 2:43 PM
    Subject: Westy Wind Problems


    My '84 Westy handles terribly in just about any crosswind situation.  I
have owned it since '91 and have always had the same complaint (especially
at higher speeds). The problem appears to be getting slowly and
progressively worse.  I have been on the mailing list for approximately one
month and do not recall seeing anything wrt this problem.  I have talked to
others and they seem to have the same problem.

    Can anyone tell me if this is an inherent design flaw from the beginning
and/or does it get worse with age?  Also are there any relatively
inexpensive fixes?

    Thanks,

    Cam
    Canadian Forces
    Geilenkirchen, Germany

-------- REPLY, End of original message --------