Date: Thu, 3 Jun 1999 22:00:21 +0200
Reply-To: Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Per Lindgren <lindgre@ONLINE.NO>
Subject: Re: Syncro driveshaft problems (maybe?)
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Please, send your messages as plain text, this is almost unreadable, it
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print)
<p>74 PerL
<br>88 Syncro 112i
<p>"Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" wrote:
<blockquote TYPE=CITE>
<p><font size=-2>Hi all - looking for some advice here...</font>
<p><font size=-2>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.</font>
<p><font size=-2>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.</font>
<p><font size=-2>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:</font>
<p><font size=-2>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?</font>
<p><font size=-2>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?</font>
<p><font size=-2>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?</font>
<p><font size=-2>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!</font>
<p><font size=-2>Doug Fitz-Randolph</font>
<br><font size=-2>Yarmouth, ME</font>
<br><font size=-2>dfrandolph@talkam.net</font>
<br><font size=-2>'90 Syncro (2WD)</font></blockquote>
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