Hi, I don't know if you have a diff lock on your front diff - but just
check that it is not stuck on. Jack up both front wheels and see if you
can turn one. The other should turn the opposite way. Leave it in gear.

Cheers

Jimmy Sanby
'89 Syncro 15"
Cape Town SA

>>> John Welsh <jwelsh29@IDT.NET> 11/02 3:43 AM >>>
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