Gerry stripped off the vendor;  but it is AutohausAZ.  $131 for complete axle, greased, new GKN/Loebro CV joints.  Of course, remember that the axles are different for Manual vs. Automatic transmission.  Length.  Make sure you order the proper one if that is your fix-it strategy.  If it's been a long while since CV joints were serviced or replaced, this would not be a bad strategy; probably needed anyway, and the cost is very reasonable.

    On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 03:40:26 PM PDT, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:  
 
  I sure sounds like worn out CV joint.  Manual or Automatic?  I recently bought one of these assemblies; made a plywood box to store on underside of Vanagon, for long distance road trip emergency.  So no direct experience as of yet.  But, here you go:  GKN Loebro 251501203GX, 300669 Axle Shaft Assembly - VW

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GKN Loebro 251501203GX, 300669 Axle Sha...
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Yes, the CV joints groan and knock when under load; when load is lifted, the noise stops.  That's my experience anyway.  I think you have eliminated bearing problem possibility.  How many miles since CV joints were serviced or replaced?  Take van to a large empty parking lot; go in tight circles; CW and CCW.  I think you will hear your problem.

    On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 03:10:11 PM PDT, Vanagon Man <t3vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:  
 
 That’s correct. 
It only knocks (more substantial than a “click”) when I have the accelerator depressed, under load. 

When I take my foot off, it goes away. 

> On Oct 19, 2021, at 4:04 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> I may be reading it wrong but I think he is saying it stops clicking when he takes his foot off and is coming to a stop.  
> 
> That sounds like the opposite of Ken’s description.
> 
> Eric 
> 
> 
>> On Oct 19, 2021, at 5:57 PM, kenneth wilford <kenwilfy@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> 
>> That is usually how I notice them.  Coming to a stop sign you may hear,
>> click, click, click as you slow down.
>> 
>> Ken
>> 
>>> On Tue, Oct 19, 2021 at 5:44 PM Vanagon Man <t3vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> This all makes sense, especially since I put on the GW lift springs
>>> recently.
>>> Except….
>>> 
>>> Why would it stop make the sound when I take my foot off the accelerator?
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Oct 19, 2021, at 3:32 PM, Edward Maglott <emaglott3@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I was vexed by this symptom for a long time. Happened under the same
>>> conditions you describe. But was not consistent. I could not reproduce it
>>> by driving in a particular way. I believe it was the axel moving in and out
>>> along its length axis. I could reproduce the heavy knocking sound by moving
>>> the shaft by hand under the van. I believe the sound is the end of the axle
>>> hitting the inside of the outer cv joint. Which is why it sounds like a
>>> wheel bearing is the cause. It's a scary sound. Once I discovered this I
>>> just stopped worrying about it and never found a cure.
>>>> Edward
>>>> 
>>>>> On Tue, Oct 19, 2021, 4:21 PM Vanagon Man <t3vanagon@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> Howdy all-
>>>>> Hoping to get some input for things to look at in the search for a
>>> diagnosis….
>>>>> 
>>>>> Over the course of a couple weeks, we noticed a knocking sound coming
>>> from the rear of our ‘88 Westy (2.1 WB)
>>>>> 
>>>>> At the time, it occurred typically when turning, so the initial
>>> assumption (mechanic concurred) was the bearings needed to be replaced.
>>>>> While they did, it turns out that wasn’t the source of the sound (lucky
>>> there).
>>>>> 
>>>>> It’s a variable knocking sound that happens under load when the
>>> accelerator is engaged.
>>>>> ATF is full, as is gear oil.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Any suggestions are welcome!
>>>>> 
>>>>> Cheers!
>>>>> 
>>>>> Matt
>>>>> Missoula, MT
>>>>> ‘88 Westy, “Ragnar LoafBrick”
>>>