Also i know the vanagon backin plates get flexy or and this is just me maybe ;) the shoes clack when the
springs are junk or worn.. so its the shoes hitting the drum in some cases..

Joe

-----Original Message-----
>From: Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
>Sent: Apr 17, 2008 10:38 AM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: CV joint 'indicators'?
>
>Thanks,
>
>  Correction:
>   It IS vehicle speed related as well as RPM-related, I guess.
>  There is a specific 'range' (probably about 1500-3500rpm)  where the noise
>is more pronounced as I accelerate away...It's just difficult to say
>exactly, but it sort of sounds like the suspension goes 'all-steel' for a
>few seconds as the Van rocks back onto the right rear accelerating away from
>a stop..That description may be a bit 'Harsh'...it's not really that loud
>(yet?) but more of a faint.."RRrr, Rrr,, rrr..rr..r..." as I pull out onto
>busy highways...I have not noticed it going uphill on twisty roads or
>crawling along backcountry trails.
>
>  A quiet large paved lot is a good idea, I'll  try that..
>
>  Don Hanson
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "neil N" <musomuso@gmail.com>
>To: "Don Hanson" <dhanson@gorge.net>
>Cc: <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
>Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 8:28 AM
>Subject: Re: CV joint 'indicators'?
>
>
>> Try driving in circles CCW and CW in a parking lot. Get a helper to
>> listen out the PS window to compare notes. (which side is it coming
>> from?)
>>
>> CV sounds should be related to vehicle speed, not RPM's. If it's
>> related to RPM's, then it is likely something else.
>>
>> Neil.
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 8:12 AM, Don Hanson <dhanson@gorge.net> wrote:
>> > Hi all,
>> >  Maybe I'm hearing things...
>> >
>> >   But, it seems when I accelerate away from a stop while turning left,
>my 84
>> >  5sp manual makes a little extra noise from the rear area.  It's an
>> >  RPM-related noise that increases in "tempo" as the RPMs increase.  It
>seems
>> >  to diminish, then go away as I get moving, and it only seems to occur
>when
>> >  I'm accelerating more vigorously than I usually do..  I may be
>imagining
>> >  that this sound seems to be slowly getting louder..There has always,
>since
>> >  I've had the van, been a little noise..I've thought it normal for
>> >  vanagons...but now, since nothing has broken with my van for a few
>months..I
>> >  am thinking it's "time"   I have not ever serviced the CV joints, but I
>have
>> >  checked the wheel bearings and re-freshed the transmission oil plus
>checked
>> >  brake shoes, etc..
>> >   Can anyone suggest a simple way to check on the condition of my CV
>joints,
>> >  like maybe jack up and run in gear, or tug on the wheel or whatever?
>> >   Or should I just drive the sucker till it breaks and not worry so
>much?
>> >
>> >   Don Hanson
>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia - "Jaco"
>>
>> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
>> http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

Have a nice Day :)