Greg,

Mine did this once too.  Turned out to be one of the radial's belts had come
loose or shifted or something.  It seems I recall people saying that it was
potentially a very dangerous situation, i.e., the tire could blow-out.  I
was glad it happened because I had only recently bought my van and
discovered that three of the tires were of an incorrect load rating and the
fourth was just different.  I replaced all FIVE tires with bigger
Michelins.  The van rides a lot better, quieter, less buffeting in strong
winds . . .

Marc Perdue
'87 Westfalia

Greg Marshall wrote:

> Hey folks...
>
> My van has developed a strange thump thump thump thump sound that seems
> to be coming out of the front wheels.  However, it only makes the noise
> when I'm turning.  I can sort of feel the vibration under my foot as
> well.  Also, like most wheel noises, the thumping gets faster the faster
> I go.  The van has new front rotors and pads, so I don't think it's the
> brakes.  Any idea what thismight be?
>
> thanks
>
> greg
> 82 vanagon westfali, california edition.