On Tue, 16 May 1995, Tim Smith wrote:

> 
> >And speaking of fixing things under the van, recently the noise level from the 
> >rear of the van has risen.  THere's a steady humming/whining noise coming from 
> >the back.  It seems to only happen while the engine is applying torque to the 
> >drivetrain -- if I back off the throttle it quiets down.  THe pitch does NOT 
> >alter when I shift gears, indicating it's not a "gearbox" problem, but in the 
> >final drive or axles/bearing.

I just replaced my wheel bearings after experiencing symptoms like you 
describe.  Do the light swerving thing as suggested: if sound 
changes/goes away under a certain load, this is more evidence of wheel 
bearings.  If you get grinding/crunching/sqeaking from the wheel(s), 
ditto for bearings.  Take this opportunity to get to know your CVJs 
anyway: drop the half-shafts and disassemble and clean 'em.  It'll buy 
you another 15,000 mi until you'll hAve to do it again, if nothing else.

Tobin
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tobin T. Copley                  Currently               =============
(604) 689-2660                    Occupationally        /_| |__||__| :| putta
tobin@freenet.vancouver.bc.ca      Challenged!         O|             | putta
                                                        '-()-------()-'
Circum-continental USA, Mexico, Canada 15,000 miles... '76 VW Camper! (Mango)