TheSamba.com :: View topic - Name that sound!!! (actually its three sounds)

Fri May 30, 2003 9:19 pm

I just got back from my 5000 mile trip to RI and back. Let me tell you, it was great. Not a single problem. I noticed some funky sounds and want to get them fixed before I leave for my next trip (about twice as long). So here they are:
1) Every once in a while while driving at highway speeds, I would noticed a sound coming from what seemed to be the front. It was kind of like a popping, but not really. It almost sounded like backfiring from the engine, but it really sounded like it was coming from the front. I thought maybe it was my ebrake cable hitting the underside of the bus, but when I checked, it had no slack. I cannot figure this one out.
2) After driving for long periods I would pull of the highway to get gas. The engine would have a little bit of what sounded to be multiple backfires, but not loud like them. It would just make this popping sound. I never noticed it on the road, and it would stop if I revved the engine up. Should I be concerned with this.
3) After 27 hours of straight driving, I pulled in to camp. I noticed when I turned the wheel slightly, it would make a grumble sound in the front suspension. There is also a poping sound (not too loud) when I turn sometimes. What parts will need to be replaced before my next trip?

Problems 1 and 2 could be related, but number one only happens every now and then, maybe every four hours and It really sounds like its coming from the left front. Thank you all for the help, and Im sorry for the very long post.
matt

Sat May 31, 2003 8:49 am

The popping sound that it makes after deceleration sounds like a leak in your exhaust system, check to make sure the flanges attached to the heads are tight and have a good gasket seal on it. Check the donut fittings from the heater boxes to muffler. Sounds like you have a leak from when the way you describe it going away when you rev the engine and it popping after slowing down. Also I would check my intake fittings as well going into the heads or if you have dual port check the boots on the intake also. Just make sure everything is tight after all that driving and vibrating things tend to loosen up. As far as the sound coming from the front it could be the backfires echoing through the heater system making it sound like it is coming from the front of the bus(just a theory?) As far as suspension up front change all of your tie rod fittings they are cheap and easy and that is one problem eliminated, if it still does make noise after that change your steering dampner and go through process of elimination,(steering box rebuild?)grease all of your fittings on the front end that is always good. Good luck with it and your next trip!! anthony

Sat May 31, 2003 9:11 am

also have someone turn the wheel for you and get under the front end and see if you can hear where it is coming from, since you said it is under the drivers side makes me think the steering box since it sits right there? hope it helps. anthony