Hi Jim,

Thanks for the reply.  It SEEMS to be engine speed related but can't be
sure.  I had the noise before I did the rear wheel bearings.  At the same
time I did the rear wheel bearings I replaced the brake shoes, drums, and
wheel cylinders.  The brakes feel tip-top now.  The noise was not affected
(still there).

Thanks a lot for your response though!  Someone suggested front ball
joints and they said they could swear the noise was coming from the rear.
So I will have a look at those.

Ryan

Jim Felder said:
> Are you sure it's not related to wheel rotational speed? I had a noise
like that that went away when I replaced the rear shoes and drums.
>
> Jim
>
> On Jan 15, 2004, at 8:50 AM, Ryan Press wrote:
>
>> I have an '86 Vanagon Westfalia and sometimes when I round corners
quickly I get a funny grinding noise in the back.  It is very distinct,
and it is either there or not there; when you hear it is the same
volume.  Sounds
like a tire rubbing but it seems to be related to engine speed.  The tires
>> are the stock size and there are no visible signs of rubbing.  So I
replaced the four rear engine mounts which didn't look so good; so I
thought that was it.  Nope.  I checked the rear wheel bearings and they
were loose.  Changed those out.  Nope.
>>
>> So I am thinking maybe it is the transaxle mount?  I can't see anything
under there that looks like it is rubbing!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Ryan
>>
>
>