Another failure point for rear axle clicking or clunking noises is the wheel flange/hub. If not properly torqued they will move slightly until the slpines wear enough for the movement to become excessive enough to wear out the bore. Repair here at a minimum will be a new flange-hub and nut all they way up to a new shaft, sleeve, and bearings. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dave Mcneely
Sent: Saturday, October 4, 2014 9:27 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: drive from Oklahoma to Spokane, WA

Thanks Mark.  Rich has concurred also.  So I'll check the joints.  mcneely

---- mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET> wrote:
> Yes, the CV joints would be under maximum stress when you were climbing.
> The extra effort by the engine that triggered the high speed fan was 
> put through the axles to the rear wheels.
>
> Mark
>
> Dave Mcneely wrote:
> > Mark, thanks.  Would the CV joint/axle be more likely to knock under 
> > the conditions I experienced?  I was prepared to think it was an 
> > engine knock simply because of the conditions.  The knock did not 
> > recur at other times, and then reappeared when I climbed another 
> > steep grade.  I'll have everything checked when I get settled in at 
> > Spokane.  Meanwhile, I won't be driving the beast all that much, 
> > anyway.  As DeanB suggested, I'll switch to a synthetic oil, too.  
> > After all, for one or two oil changes a year, the cost is trivial 
> > compared to tearing up an engine. If it makes a difference, it is 
> > cheap insurance.  mcneely
> >
> >

--
David McNeely