Also items to check in the front end.  

1) Tie rod ends
2) Upper A-arm bushings
3) Lower Ball joint bushings
4) Universal joint in the steering column
5) Spare tire (make sure it's secure, it can rattle a whole hell of a lot if
it becomes lose).

If the noise is only coming from the front end, these are possible causes in
addition to the wheel races and bearings (which aren't on the list because
you're already looking at them).  I just had my front end completely rebuilt
after a ride in Zeno started to feel like a trip on the inside of a gravel
mixer.  I was *sure* it was the bearings, but guess what, they were good on
both sides.  I mean really good!  Additional to the noise from the front end
was a sound from the rear which happened to be Zeno needing new CV
assembles.

Good luck and happy New Year,

MT

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Richard Koerner
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2010 8:55 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: On the road.................a couple of issues!

If it's a wheel bearing, it doesn't take long for it to do real damage....in
my case, it ended up taking the spindle with it and also the brake
disc....gets real expensive real fast.� From the time I heard "funny" noises
until it was too late was only about 50 miles.� I too was on the road when
it happened, had to have the car carried on a flatbed towtruck to a shop.� 

So act promptly if it's the bearing!� Now I get them serviced every 25,000
miles.

Rich
San Diego

--- On Thu, 12/30/10, Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@Q.COM> wrote: