Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1999 14:13:00 -0400
Reply-To: "Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" <dfrandolph@TALKAM.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" <dfrandolph@TALKAM.NET>
Subject: Syncro driveshaft problems (maybe?)
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;
Hi all - looking for some advice here...
My '90 syncro started experiencing some vibrations a few months ago. As
their appearance seemed to coincide with the installation of a new set of
tires and wheels, I that. Re-balanced the tires, bought different tires, did
a full alignment, switched wheels - these apparently weren't the issue.
In the meantime, the vibration grew more and more severe - to the point of
continually causing the door lock "buttons" to unscrew themselves. The
vibrations occurred ONLY when applying power (in all gears) and seemed to
increase on a bell curve with 40 - 45 mph being the highpoint. They seemed
to come from below me and to the rear and were most noticeable in the body
of the van, not the steering wheel. They increased in severity very slowly
at first, then over the last week exponentially faster - to the point that I
didn't think I should drive the van.
I then discovered a torn front outer CV boot. I couldn't get the rotors off
myself, so I brought the van to a local garage - the same one the PO had
used, so they had experience with at lease one syncro! They checked the CV
joints (they were OK) replaced the front bearings, re-balanced the wheels -
still vibrating. Then they pulled the driveshaft - presto! Vibrations gone.
They informed me that the u-joints were binding and causing the trouble, and
that the part (the whole driveshaft) from VW would be $1100, and that a
better bet for me would be to go over to the local driveshaft specialist to
have it rebuilt. They handed me the driveshaft and here I am. Being
inherently skeptical about most mechanics, I have a few questions:
1) I've never played with a syncro driveshaft before - how do I know that
the u-joints are really bad? There is no play in them, but they do bind -
but only when rotated at a far greater angle than I can imagine them
assuming on the vehicle. What's to say the problem isn't with the VC or
front differential?
2) I've read about the mixed results people have had with rebuilt
driveshafts - it seems like only Mark Drillock has had a positive experience
(Oceanside Driveline, (760)439-9718). I'm wondering if he's the only one, of
if his has gone bad as well. And if I put a rebuilt on the van and the
vibrations come back, how could I be sure that the driveshaft is to blame
and not some other front drivetrain component?
3) If a rebuild is going to turn into months of headaches, I'd frankly
rather bite the bullet and buy a new one. My VW dealer apparently wants
$1100, but I saw $800 quoted in the archives. Do the prices vary that
greatly from dealer to dealer, or was $800 for some aftermarket part?
My van does drive very nicely w/o the driveshaft, but I bought a syncro
because I wanted the 4WD, so I'd really like to get it fixed at some point.
TIA for your help!
Doug Fitz-Randolph
Yarmouth, ME
dfrandolph@talkam.net
'90 Syncro (2WD)
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