Check your parking/emergency brake to see if it is hanging up.  Rust on the
control rods and cables can make them stick and the brake shoes rub on the
drums enough to give you the symptoms you describe.  Raise each rear wheel
and see if it spins freely with the brake off.  I assume this is a 4 speed?
Put it in neutral with the brake off if it is an automatic.  Make sure you
are on level pavement!!
TEMiller
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <inua@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 6:47 AM
Subject: "Sticking"

> My van - an 88 GL - has developed a weird "sticking" condition. I wonder
> if anyone else has ever had this situation. haven't a clue as to how to
> identify the problem to fix it.
>
> When rolling to a stop, right at the last moment there is this little
> "sudden stop" feeling, then when I go again, it's like the van is stuck
> and can't move until enough pressure builds through the drive train to
> break free that which is stuck or bound up. It doesn't take much to move
> it but I can tell it. When it does break free, there is the slightest
> "Pop" sound as it breaks free and then everything is fine as we roll
> along - until the next stop.
>
> The thing that worries me about this is that usually something of this
> nature portends bad things later.
>
> Anyone have any ideas about this?? A bearing beginning to go ( I have
> fairly new CV's all around), or perhaps a brake? I have noticed on the
> right rear axle stub that there is an accumulation that looks like long
> packed dirt over grease. Indications of rear wheel bearing failure,
> maybe????
>
> Any input would be appreciated.
>
> TIA,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>