Rear end noise

[Westy-Life]

I think what I have is a failing rear outer cv joint but wanted to ask for clarification.

There is noise coming from the driver's side rear when giong straight ahead, then when I turn to the right it gets noisier. When I turn to the left the noise dissapears.

Is this the rear outer cv going?

If so what are my replacement options? Who sells one or do I need to look for a new complete axle?

BTW I have a 1986 Westy with an automatic.

Cheers!
Dave
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86 Westfalia with 03' TDI Auto trans

[pioneer1]

Hi: It could be a CV joint or a rear wheel bearing. CV would be a clacking noise-bearing would be metal grinding noise.
You can test a CV joint by pushing on the bar or an obvious rip in the rubber boot would let in contaminants.
There are good write ups on the VanCafe web site for rebuilding a CV while you are on the road. Lots of tech info if you do a search in the forums for who makes a good replacement
Good luck
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"Always waiting for tomorrow ruined everything"

'85 Porsche 911 Targa

'76 Westfalia project

[Westy-Life]

Yeah that is the thing I am not sure about. Is it the CV or the wheel bearing??

It's would be more of a clicking/clacking noise than a wheel bearing metal grind noise I think.

Anyone else have 2-cents to spare?

Cheers!
Dave
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86 Westfalia with 03' TDI Auto trans

[IdahoDoug]

Before driving it any further, be sure the bolts holding the CVs on both ends of the axle are properly tight.


DougM
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1987 2WD Wolfsburg Vanagon Weekender "Mango", two fully locked 80 Series LandCruisers. 2017 Subaru Outback boxer. 1990 Audi 90 Quattro 20V with rear locking differential, 1990 burgundy parts Vanagon. 1984 Porsche 944, 1993 Toyota LandCruiser, 2002 BMW 325iX, 1982 Toyota Sunrader

[Howesight]

Turning left and right will not normally change the noise a bad or dry CV joint makes. Applying load (accelerating) or lifting off the throttle will usually change the noise that a bad or dry CV joint makes. Like the above posters say, CV noise is usually a clacking noise.

If your noise changes when turning left and right, the problem is most likely a worn rear wheel bearing. You may not even be hearing the bearing itself. If the bearing is worn, it can allow enough movement of the stub axle that the brake drum contacts the brake backing plate or the brake shoes.

Here's a hint if you decide to replace your wheel bearings - - leave the CV joint attached to the stub axle and disconnect the axle at the transmission (inboard) CV joint. Then pull the whole axle through the swing arm when you unbolt the wheel bearing housing itself. The reason: Those bolts on the outer CV joints are a real pain to access and clean well enough to get your allen wrench into.

This also allows you to assemble the CV joint and the new CV joint boot (of course you are cleaning the joint and replacing the CV boot while in there, right?) while holding the axle in your vise instead of lying on your back under the van swearing and grunting.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX