Whoa. Lucky you're okay! So maybe it could just be bolts? I need to get
underneath and check it out.

Thanks for that.

On May 25, 2017 2:46 PM, "Marc Perdue" <mcperdue@gmail.com> wrote:

> Laura,
>
> I had that ticking noise coming from my back axles. It started as we were
> driving from Virginia to Rochester, NY. I ignored it, because we were
> driving and I felt like we could get it checked out once we got there. It
> turned out that the bolts that held the axles to the transmission were
> loose. They actually broke off when I got within 2 miles of my destination
> and I was stranded at 10 PM at night, in a snowstorm... Plus side, they
> were only bolts, and I didn't have to have the axles replaced.
>
> Marc Perdue
>
> On Thu, May 25, 2017 at 9:37 AM, Laura Mangan <laurakmangan@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Yep. rigid for sure. Maine is as tough, maybe worse.
>>
>> When on the lift, the tire moves freely side to side and up and down.
>> the tires are passenger tires, not rated for the weight of the van. the
>> mechanic says passenger tires are 4 ply and i need 6 ply
>>
>> The rubber boot on the tie rod is also falling off. When driving over
>> bumps
>> there is also a strange creaking noise (maybe not related to the steering
>> rack... but another issue)
>>
>> I thought if i am going to replace the rack and pinion, and one tie rod, i
>> may as well do the whole steering rack, and both tie rods.
>>
>> The rear axles are making bad noises when driving. i would describe it
>> almost like there is a rock in my rear tires, a sort of quite-ish
>> ticking... not coming from the engine. (i think the sound is axle related)
>> But the mechanic says that again, on the lift, he can just about separate
>> the axle with his hands which isn't good.
>>
>> Sadly, i dont know enough about mechanics, i am simply trusting the guy...
>> He does have a good reputation, and seems like a nice guy.
>>
>> P.s. he is NOT a VW mechanic though, there isn't one near me.
>>
>>
>> Thanks y'all
>>
>> Laura
>>
>> On Thu, May 25, 2017 at 9:28 AM, Larry Alofs <lalofs@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> > Wow, PA is tough.
>> >   Can you explain what the problem was with the steering rack and axles?
>> >
>> > 6 ply ???
>> >
>> > Larry A.
>> >   In MI where they can't afford ANY type of inspections
>> >
>> >
>> > On Wed, May 24, 2017 at 7:47 AM, Laura Mangan <laurakmangan@gmail.com>
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> >> Oh No! my Vanagon failed PA state safety inspection :(
>> >>
>> >> I am in search of parts, and the best places to obtain these parts.
>> >>
>> >> I need 4 new tires. the ones i have are new, but are not Van rated
>> (4ply
>> >> instead of 6ply)
>> >>
>> >> The steering wheel cover or horn cover is not on, as one of the clips
>> is
>> >> broken. so i need to replace that. I also need a rear view mirror.
>> >>
>> >> But more importantly, i need both rear axles, front steering rack, and
>> new
>> >> tie rod ends for the front.
>> >>
>> >> Bus depot has most of the mechanical parts. I just thought i would ask
>> if
>> >> anyone had these, or knew of a place to get them gently used, or
>> >> inexpensively. And i will need the mirror and horn cover, and a couple
>> of
>> >> other interior things to pass inspection/
>> >>
>> >> P.s. i am a small scale organic farmer, and while i have lots of
>> greens,
>> >> none of them are spendable on VW parts, hehehehe. So i need to save
>> money
>> >> anywhere i can.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Thanks for your time, and for any input given
>> >>
>> >> Keep smiling! have a beautiful day!!
>> >>
>> >> Laura
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>