New Rear Bearing noise...

[pete000]

Finally got my rear end all back together with new new CV joint boots and repack, new disk brake conversion, external trans cooler, new transmission mount, new rear bearings and seals, stainless brake lines, and major cleaning.

Took it out for a test drive and there is a very subtle humming coming which sounds like from the rear. Audible mostly around 10-30 mph and present when in our out of gear brakes on or off. Kind of a slight drumming sound.

I used a professional press when installing and was extra careful to press the bearings in correctly as to not push on the inner races. Packed them thoroughly with synthetic wheel bearing grease.

When they were all done on the bench the axle turned tight, but freely with no binding as I could tell. One side was a bit harder to turn, but not in a binding way. They felt pretty smooth to me.

Do they need a break in period to seat?

Does tighten the axle nut so tight as specified in the book cause them to spin tight?

Not sure whats up with this sound.

I might try disconnecting the axle and spinning them on the car to see if they feel free.

Oh well just wanted to vent...
_________________
1990 Vanagon RS 2.1
1967 Deluxe 21 window
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Koni Shocks
H & R Red Springs
Addco Sway Bars Front-Rear
18 X 7.5 and 18 X 8 OEM Porsche Wheels
Recaro Power-Heated seats

[syncrodoka]

Sorry, something got put back together wrong. I have replaced bearings on several vans and they are always better right away- no break in period. Looking over the install after a nights you will find something. It works for me every time.

[ftp2leta]

Disconnect axle and remove drum, listen.

No breaking period. Right torque?

Ben
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[tencentlife]

Maybe the subtle humming is tire noise you couldn't hear before over the clunking and clanking of the bearings and joints?

Just kidding, actually, but it's a thought.
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[pete000]

Thanks for the input, I'm a bit stumped on this one.

I know I go the rear nuts torqued super tight with my 36" 1" drive bar and socket.

It really doesn't sound like the tires, I really think its the rear bearings.

When you open the door and hang your head outside you cant hear anything.

Bus was super quiet before. I guess the old saying goes if it ant broke don't fix it. I just figured since the seals were tired and I have 170K on the bus change them out.

Not a fun job to do ether.
_________________
1990 Vanagon RS 2.1
1967 Deluxe 21 window
--------------------
Koni Shocks
H & R Red Springs
Addco Sway Bars Front-Rear
18 X 7.5 and 18 X 8 OEM Porsche Wheels
Recaro Power-Heated seats

[insyncro]

Pete,
I have only had that issue once.
Since I drill and tap the housing for a grease zerk.
I lightly grease the bearings going in and reassemble.
Before the backing plate goes back on I start spinning the axel stub by hand and give a shot or two of grease at a time until I see it at the seal.
Not just pumping away.
I than reassemble the brakes and torque the axel nut to 400lbs, Syncros go 475lbs.
I run the van for atleast five minutes and than bring it back and up on the hoist to shoot two more shots of grease while spinning the wheel.
Never had an issue this way.

Heavy equipment mechanics have 3/4 torque wrenches.
Stop by and ask if they will check the torque.
Bring your Bentley, they won't believe it needs to be that much pressure.

Hope this helps.

dylan

[pete000]

[insyncro]

really tight and properly torqued are not the same.
you could have over torqued and crushed a bearing.
i hear ya, but without a torque wrench you just don't know.

some have said the same about head bolts.
when I ask if they used a torque wrench they said no.
well, that is why your brand new heads are leaking.

sounds like you need to disassemble and carefully inspect the bearings and races. now you may also need to check tolerances in the housing as well.

dylan