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Tue Jun 23, 2009 4:06 pm

I have a noise coming from the rear of the van. Sounds like star trek warp engines cycling up. Here are the symptoms:

- does not change with gears
- gets higher when going faster
- only happens when throttle is on
- does not change when e-brake lightly applied while driving
- no noise when the van is turned off and sitting in the carport

Ideas?

Tue Jun 23, 2009 4:40 pm

CV joints need to be inspected and regreased or replaced- http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_626_790/cv_repack_kit_a_for_2_wd_vehicles.html
Rear wheel bearings need to be inspected and regreased or replaced- http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_282_796/rear_wheel_bearing_kit.html
Rear brakes should be inspected for debris.
I would check things in that order. Repacking the cv's and repacking the rear wheel bearings probably need to be done anyways. Good luck.

Tue Jun 23, 2009 4:45 pm

mother-in-law tied to the bumper?

Tue Jun 23, 2009 4:53 pm

Just had a similar situation. It was the CV joints.

Tue Jun 23, 2009 4:58 pm

candyman wrote: mother-in-law tied to the bumper?

and if she is not, maybe try putting her there to quiet the other noise. :wink:

Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:01 pm

I'd like more info on the Vanagon Warp Drive Engine, please.

8)

Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:23 pm

okie dokie - I will look into CV joints. Although I will do the rear wheel bearings, I do not think this is the source of the noise, because the noise does not happen when throttle is off. Nor does it change the sound when ebrake is applied.

For anyone else, here is a nice description and pics of doing the CV joints:

http://www.relitech.com/cvjoints.htm

Could only find this description of doing the rear wheel bearings:

http://www.vanagonauts.com/%5B42.5%5DRear-Wheel-Bearings163.htm

Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:00 pm

I gotta vote for the rear differential getting worn if by warp noise you mean a high speeed wirrrrrrrrrrrr that is more pronounced at low RPMs than high (while moving) Shifting into the next gear should change the pitch.

Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:08 pm

Um, isn't the engine back there? \:D/

Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:22 pm

:roll:

Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:33 pm

OP What does the ATF fluid look like? Is it nice and red or a little brownish? You could have some fluid swapping which would indicate a failing seal. Is your diff fluid new, old low high? It'd start there. If it were my van, as I tend to rule out the most expensive and work down. I agree with you that I don't think it's the wheel bearings. Unless the sound on your TV is really bad failing bearings do not sound like warp speed. But this is free advance from a guy that can't see (or hear) your van and aparently I was unaware where the engine is :^o

Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:50 pm

it's a automatic?

Tue Jun 23, 2009 9:08 pm

ytsew wrote: I have a noise coming from the rear of the van. Sounds like star trek warp engines cycling up.

It's your engine.

Seriously, I'd check the final drive if it's an auto transmission.