John,
Does it happen when you go straight?  Or do you have to be turning?  If only
when turning, I'd vote for a CV joint.  This is fresh on my mind since my
CVs are begging to be done and communicate with me when I turn.

Patrick,
'85 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: John Brush <jbrush@aros.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2000 8:02 PM
Subject: help. noise from the rear :)

> I thought I might inquire of those of you who are so well versed in
> troubleshooting over the internet.
>
> Mine is an 81 transporter, 200K +
>
> When moving at very slow speeds, like in a parking lot, or looking for
> that perfect camp site, I sometimes hear a noise that appears to come from
> the left rear wheel. The sound is just as if there is a marble inside the
> hub cap. Clink, clink, and the rate increases and decreases with the
> speed. It is so pronounced that as I slow down, the clink slows in rythmn,
> and as I come to a stop, I get the one.... last...... clink. Just like if
> it was a marble :)
>
> If its there as driving speeds, I cannot hear it. I assume it is, but the
> road noises make it impossible to tell. It is not always there, usually
> after a long drive. I took the wheel off and checked the bearings for
> slop, and looked for anything obvious and found nothing unusual. I have
> not put the whole beast on jackstands and turned the wheels freely. Maybe
> over the weekend.
>
> I am just wondering if anyone more familiar than I am with the transaxle
> might want to venture a guess, or give me something I could test.
>
> Much obliged for any advice.
>
> Regards from Utah,
>
> John
>