Folks,

I have a situation here with regards to a very nice 83.5 Westy that I'm
fixing up that has even an old pro like me baffled. It's an automatic, 110K
miles, drives really smooth and strong, shifts real nice and solid, but every
time I slow down to stop, it makes this funny rythmic clicking noise that
changes it's frequency right along with the speed of the van. The sound seems
to be coming from the back of the van. It usually starts when I slow down
below 25mph and continues until I come to a stop. It'll also do it, altho'
just for a few secs, when I take my foot off the brake and let the car creep
along in drive. But if I power it, no noise! Also, on decelerating, it doesnt
make that infernal noise until the car is slowed down to below 25mph. Now,
I've changed both the drive-shafts, and replaced both rear wheel bearings,
checked the final drive flanges for tightness, replaced the final drive
lubricant (no metal shavings found), and serviced the automatic trans (again,
nice and clean, no metal). This thing's got me puzzled, as it's kinda
annoying sound, but it doesnt seem to affect the drivability of the van, it
drives just great! That's the strange part. Could anybody offer me any
suggestions on what to do next, as I'm about ready to pull my hair out and
become an alcoholic....... any help would be highly appreciated. i've already
spent too much time on this car and I need to have it finished so I could
move it. Thanx.

Cheers,

Vic Ahmed