Sounds like your axle lock is stuck on.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Mon, 2 Nov 1998, John Welsh wrote:

> Listees,
>
> I've been through the archives under "viscous coupling" but I still need
> some help from you all if you would be so kind.
>
> I was out 4-wheeling around in the desert, forded an 18-inch deep stream
> a few times, and when I got back on the pavement, the steering felt
> strange.  It felt like the van was stuck in 4WD.  The steering was
> fighting me, wanting to steer itself. Back in the city, it is so
> pronounced that the front tires chirp from a start with the wheels
> turned.  (I never thought I'd ever burn rubber in a Vanagon).  This is
> not just the previous normal scrubbing when making a full-lock circle.
> It feels like the viscous coupling might be locking up WAY prematurely.
> But then it releases somewhat;  it's not full-on stuck.
>
> Derek Drew, Jim Davis, Tim Smith, you are my Syncro gurus.  What do I do
> now?  Is this what it's like when the VC fails?  Are there rebuilts
> available?  Can the fluid be replaced?  What do replacements cost?  Do
> Kyle or Ron sell these items? Is it damaging to the van to keep driving
> it like this?
>
> (BTW, I KNOW I've seen posts on this fluid and/or rebuilt topic, but
> they don't show up on an archive search.  Sorry.)
>
> Thanks in advance for your help.  And thanks for making this such a
> great list.
>
> John Welsh, San Diego
> 87 Syncro Westfalia GL
> 81 Triumph TR8
>