On Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 7:02 PM, Troy <colorworks@gci.net> wrote:
> Yes, I did have the drums off last week and did not see anything obvious
> that would be making a noise. �The trailing shoe did have some movement up
> and down (I think it's supposed to to center inside the drum) but both shoes
> were attached properly to the backing plate. All of the springs seem to be
> in the proper places, nothing detached. �I certainly can take it apart again
> and look closer. �If it was brakes, why would a load make a difference? No
> noise when up on the rack if you recall from my first message--does that
> make sense to you? �I thought there might be some correlation with braking
> and the noise but I cannot say for certain as it did not seem to be
> consistent. Even the mechanic did not not know for sure what was causing the
> noise, but at least was �honest about it. They have 2.5hrs into at at this
> point. �Let's see what other people have to say, but so far it still remains
> a mystery. I can say the noise comes and goes, which makes me wonder about
> bearings. I would think that would be a steady noise, whereas if it was in
> the brakes it could possibly come and go, but then there is the load issue.
> Why no noise when not under load?

If possible, get another person to drive with you. You drive, then
swap seats and compare notes.

See if noise is coming from just one side.

Maybe find a way to coast and brake w/engine off. Reducing ambient
noise might help you hear it better.

You could also turn circles in a parking lot with the other driver.
(engine on or off up to you!)

Neil.

-- 
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines