Yes thanks Steve, this is all confirming a badly worn bearing, though I may
put some semi-synthetic in it first just to see if it does quieten down. I'm
going to have to check the levels and ensure that the oil leak is not from
gearbox, it just seems too thin and doesn't smell like that - I'll get the
underbody steam cleaned and then take a good close look.

Clive
'88 Syncro Transporter

----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Cotsford" <Cotsford@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2002 8:06 PM
Subject: Re: Clarification of noise

> In my experience, a noise in neutral which stops when you depress the
clutch is coming from the gearbox itself.
> When you depress the clutch, the innards of the box stop moving and the
noise stops.
> Some vehicles tend to make this noise when the oil gets hot but when the
oil is cold and thick they are quiet.
> It could be that you need to add oil or use a thicker grade.
> Of course it could also mean that you have a bad bearing or some other
worn component but I've got my fingers crossed that its not that.
> I have also had a throwout bearing that seemed to do that too though they
usually make noise only when the pedal is depressed and under load.
>
> cheers,  Steve