Hi, and thanks to all for the diagnostic tips.  I am more confused about
what to do than I started.
My tires are 1 year old with only 5,000 miles on them, and I think it is
unlikely that they are separating, as suggested by one lister.  The tires
are the proper load range, have no cupping, and have been properly inflated.
The CV boots look fine to me, no leaks.

Since I don't have an axle wrench or the ability to lift the whole rear end
to listen to sounds, is my next best alternative to get a brake service
center to look at it?
Thanks, Jeff Hartman
Juneau, AK  86 Vanagon.

Jeff,

I had a similar problem about a month ago, I got the inner bearing to
replace it and found during disassembly that the axle nut wasn't on tight
enough.  I got out my special $19.95 46mm Axle tightening digi-wrench,
breaker bar, and a 3 lbs. Sledge and whammo it was done.

Check your axle nut.

Jere 90 GL 88 GL

 Subject: sound
could it be the differential?

Jeff
Get your tires inspected.
> I was getting a rumbling noise before as tires were beginning to
> separate. That was normally my signal to go in for warranty.
> Stan Wilden

Jeff

Check the tires for "cupping". Run your had over the tread and see if it
smooth or bumpy. That's where I found my noise in the rear of my 84.

Joe

Jeff,
Try to lift rear end and rotate rear by hand looking for wobbles, looseness
or
noise. Axle nut may not be tight enough. Also check cv joints, specialy
outer
for loose screws or bad cv boot, most common problem with rear axles.
Leon 85 Subwagen Westy

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jeff and Deb" <jeffndeb@gci.net>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, May 21, 2001 3:31 AM
> Subject: inner bearings?
>
>
Hi All, A few previous posts suggest a possible diagnosis for some rumbling
noises that I have been hearing in the back of my 86 Vanagon.  It seems to
be making a louder than normal low roaring sound on cornering at speeds
above 45 MPH.  I have had brake work done, and had my outer bearings
inspected, with no negative reports. Also, it seems to get louder with speed
on the highway.  The exhaust system, that I thought might be leaking or
contacting some object, is completely tight, and without leaks.   I tried
the archives on "inner bearings" but timed out before getting my search to
cover more than a year.

Any suggestions on a positive way to troubleshoot it without tearing
everything down?  Also, if it is an inner rear bearing, I assume that it is
necessary to replace all four bearings, or at least pack the outer ones if
they are not worn?  Any suggestions for the correct type and manufacturer
for rear bearings?
> > Thanks,
> > Jeff Hartman
> > Juneau, AK
> > 1886 Vanagon