TheSamba.com :: View topic - Test drove a Vanagon

Tue May 31, 2005 10:20 pm

Test drove a couple this weekend, question about one I drove tonight. While shifting, clutch was in heard some odd squealing/rubbing type sounds. Sound appeared to be coming from under the bus between the seats. No issues getting into gear, never popped out of gear, but this sound was alarming to me as I'm not sure if this is par for the course or not. Thoughts/opinions?

Tue May 31, 2005 11:26 pm

After poking around the site some more I think it may be the throwout bearing. Any experts think that sounds correct? If so, is this a big issue, expense to fix (or difficulty to fix on my own)? Sign of troubles to come?

Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:17 am

Not a big deal, I assume you mean the *rear* seats and not the front? If its the front it could be the A-Arm bushings squeaking as the Van lifts off...

Eitherway its not that big of a deal. My trans makes a gumble now and then, I just drive it. :roll:

Wed Jun 01, 2005 10:58 am

I have an 80 westy that is very squeaky when I shift (the squeak is usually when I am in neutral and shifting into a gear). Is this correctable by finding where the squeak is and shooting it with WD-40? Thanks!!

Wed Jun 01, 2005 2:01 pm

Wow! great question, and great answer!! Mine does the same thing...what is a good lubricant to use to stop this squeaking/bus-talk? Let me know! thanks! connie..

Wed Jun 01, 2005 3:22 pm

Synthetic bear grease, Redline or Lucas makes some good stuff

Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:26 pm

Well, to add to the topic...I've got a westy with 89K on it and it's a bear to shift. My other has 244K and is smooth. I've switched to synthetic gear oil(Mobil 1 maybe). It seems too new (ha) to have problems. I was afraid to start slathering grease on those plasticy bushings, I thought it might attract grit faster. Another culprit may be the clutch slave. I should bleed the slave and see if that changes things. Any other ideas?

Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:29 am

I'm not sure if this advice is applyable but I got under my 80 with a can of WD-40 and started spraying every thing in sight to try nix a squeak. Long story short...!!!!!!!DON'T USE WD-40!!!!!!! Allot of the bushings and seals under there will break down due to a chemical reaction between the rubber and the WD-40. I had to replace all my ball joints and both tierod ends. $$$

Thu Jun 02, 2005 6:46 am

I forgot luvy...you are right, WD-40 does break down everything.
I actually use a product from Redline or the Lucas. (They sponser my SCCA toys so I guess I am partial)

Currently I have a 84 water leaker about ready to pop the 4 speed out to get to that nasty slipping clutch!

Laying up under the van I see where the shifting rod goes thru the frame. I can see bushings that would need to be greased up with some good quality lubricants. I know the shifter bushings up under the floorboard gets dry.
You gotta drop the spare tire out, get to the housing that is supposed to keep the lower part of the shifter clean and dry....yeah right...

grease that area up, replace some bushings if they look cracked or starting to fall apart. It will tighten up the shifting pattern a bit so the stick wont be so sloppy... :D

Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:37 pm

Hey, these are some good things to know....especially about the WD40! I bet by doing these recommended things the shifter should be smoother (getting into reverse in my 80 westy isn't as easy as it should be - as I have had others that shifted smoother). We'll give it a shot!!

Thu Jun 02, 2005 2:33 pm

Di-electric (Silicone) grease works best as it won't harm plastic but still allows everything to slide. You may be able to find Synthetic Caliper Pin lube as well (Brakes) as a good item to squirt up in the bushings.

I did it and my 87 shifted much better.. still does 1 year later..