Probably upper A-arm bushings......

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Barrett" <dbx@POBOX.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 11:02 PM
Subject: front suspension problem

> Volks,
>  When the passenger's side front wheel of my bus is jacked up, I am
> able to grasp the wheel and shake it vertically -- the wheel pivots
> perhaps a quarter of an inch up and down.  There is no play in it at all
> if I try to move the wheel side to side.  The lug nuts are properly
> tightened, and the wheel spins freely.  The driver's side front wheel
> does not exhibit this problem: there is no play in it, either up and
> down or side to side.
>   Something in the back of my mind tells me that having any play in the
> wheels is a dangerous condition which mandates not driving the car
> anywhere but to the mechanic.  Can anyone give me some direction on
> what's going on here?  Is it the upper ball joint?
>   Related question: I'm working a temporary job here in New Haven, Ct.
> and am not near any Vanagon-friendly shops.  Is the disconcerting wheel
> play a job which needs a Vanagon ninja, or is suspension work universal
> enough that any competent shop could fix the problem?
>
> Many thanks again for any guidance.
>
> Best,
> Dan
> 1990 GL -- "Mudskipper"
>