Hi, I'm new to the list, and also new to having a vanagon.  I bought an
'85 Westy back in October, and haven't had too many problems with it.  I
would really like to begin learning how to do the repairs myself, and
this list is helping me learn so much.
 I just had the right side rack boot for the steering replaced, and also
the inner front bearings and outer bearings replaced and repacked.  It
had been making a noise when I would go over small bumps, and until
yesterday the noise had disappeared.  Then this morning when I went to
work, I let it warm up for about 4 minutes, and when I went to pull left
onto the street, it made an awfully loud noise that it hasn't ever made
before.  when I put it in park and turned the wheel it did the same.  I
decided to try to drive it after a few more minutes, and it made the
noise again, but after a few more minutes it had stopped.  Do I need to
let it warm up even more than I did?  I live in Wyoming, and I am
guessing it was about 20 something degrees here this morning. (could
have been colder though).
The second noise it is making is a "crackling" sound, which sounds like
it is coming from underneath the back  seat.  It almost sounds like
static from a speaker, but it hapens when the radio is not on.
Any suggestions anyone may have I would appreciate.  I drive the van
every day, and truly love it! I can't believe I haven't driven one of
these sooner!
Thanks very much,
Marabeth