Right, Evan!  That occurred to me while driving the Taurus today. Is it 2.1 stock Auto. Original unit with the bus. 

So, sounds like I'm hearing worn bearings or cheap seals. 

Thanks for the info! 

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 24, 2011, at 9:57, Evan Mac Donald <evanm@att.net> wrote:

> OK Pete, you should know the drill by now - Auto trans, or manual? Whole different set of seals for them.
>  
> In either trans, though, the bearings at the differential may be worn, and beating the seals to death because of the excess play. Heat won't have much - directly - to do with it.
> Check for wobble at the inner ends of the axles, at the drive flanges. No wiggle, just rotate.
>  
> Evan Mac Donald
> 
> 
> "...in the absence of facts, myth rushes in, the kudzu of history."
> -Stacy Schiff
> 
> 
> From: Pete O <pnoceanwesty@GMAIL.COM>
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Sent: Thu, November 24, 2011 8:57:03 AM
> Subject: Busted Down Near Tekonsha, Michigan
> 
> <snip>
> Question for those in the know:  What would cause these new seals to fail?
> I assumed when it happened before, it was age related.  Do you think the
> transmission or transaxle is generating heat somehow and causing the seals
> to compromise? It was shifting and driving normally up to the point I saw
> the smoke.  I have not had a good look yet in the barn, so don't know
> exactly where it is leaking from - it seemed like there was more on the
> driver side that the other.
> 
> Thanks for any thoughts/info and Happy Thanksgiving to all our bus brothers
> and sisters!  We are off to Grandma's house in the Ford Taurus.
> 
> Pete
> '79 Westy "Aardvark"
> '87 Westy "JoesVan"
> WWW.Busesbythebeach.org <http://WWW.Busesbythebeach.com>