Two ways to try to detect bearing issues. Sway van side to side to see if
noise is affected by side loading. Raise vehicle and have the wheels spin in
gear. Use a screwdriver or stethoscope to listen to the bearing housings. A
bad bearing will be evident. Make sure the axle nuts are properly torqued.
Looseness here can result in the splines in the hub wearing and making noise
there.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
email99
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 7:54 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rear wheel bearing noise?

I need some help diagnosing a strange noise.  I'm hearing a soft
oscillating rumble with a period of about 2.5 seconds at 70 mph that
appears to be coming from the rear of my MT '86 Subaru powered Westy.
It's not related to the engine since it is there while cruising at a
constant speed or coasting with the clutch disengaged.  Brakes are
smooth and in good shape.  Wheels and tires are also in good shape and
ride smooth with no out of round or balance shake.  Front wheel bearing
were recently repacked with no effect on this noise.  CV joints are well
greased and have no unusual stiffness or slop evident from moving
half-shafts while installed.  Rear wheel bearings were repacked about
40k miles ago.  Vehicle mileage is 290,000 miles.

Any ideas?  Has anyone experienced an actual failure of a rear wheel
bearing, an if so, what were the noises?

Thanks for any information.

Ed