VW Eurovan, conflicting problem solving from mechanics.

[Irene10]

Just bought a 2003 eurovan weekender. Driving from the dealer (and on test drive) was kind a grave noise, but the dealer said that was just how the VW's run - kinda noisy. Still didn't like the sound of it when I got home so took it to one guy who said it needed a new transmission mount. Decided to get another opinion, this time with VW Serramonte. They said there was gravel in the differential fluid, needed a new transmission $6,500. Called the dealer who said they'd have it towed back to their place and take care of it. Called me today and said it doesn't need a new transmission, its just the gravel guard that is bent that is making the noise and that I must have driven over a bump or one of the past two guys I took it to must have made it like that. So they won't fix it ($700) and they also said its not that important anyway, its quite safe to drive with it a bit noisy, etc. etc....so I can have it fixed at my own expense or just leave it. Now the car is 2 hours drive away and I have to go pick it up or? Am furious at the VW Serramonte if they were incorrect in their estimate to me, my being a novice at what car problems are.. Any suggestions re all this scenario?

[r.e.wing_fc3s]

it would be very unlikely that gravel could enter the inside of the transmission or differential. if gravel could get in all the fluid would go out=not moving.

gravel or not that eurovan has one of the more unreliable automatic transmissions as it is so you might want to see if its been replaced already. gravelly noises could also be the timing chain guides/tensioners needing replacement, an expensive job to be sure.
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Reference Automotive: NW Washingtons Vanagon Specialist. (360)366-6965. referenceautomotive.com

[Irene10]

Many thanks, r.e.wing. So if by chance there actually were metal shavings in the diff. fluid, does that mean my car might stop in the middle of nowhere? Going on a camping trip this weekend hopefully (tho not too far as its my first with this car - just a couple hours drive). Its amazing that three completely different car service places (including the one where I purchased it) are telling me three different things after having supposedly checked the engine out thoroughly. It is all beyond me.
Is it necessary to have a gravel guard? I read somewhere online that without it you could have small gravel kicked up into parts of the engine?
Thanks again.
Irene

[snowsyncro]

Congratulations on your purchase. I appreciate that you are new to EVs, and have a lot to learn. This is going to sound like I am giving you a hard time. I am not, I am just trying to help.

If you don't have one already, you should get yourself a neighbour/friend who knows a thing or two about cars, even better VWs, and best of all Eurovans. One thing is clear right now -- you are at the mercy (because of your own limited knowledge right now) of some very sketchy dealers/repair establishments.

VWs are not inherently 'kinda noisy'. No more so than any other vehicle. If there is a noise, then something is causing it. It could be something harmless, e.g. exhaust system hitting the body, or something nearly fatal, say a transmission about to let go. No-one here, or anywhere else online can tell, because we can't hear the noise.

Not sure what you mean by the gravel guard; my EV knowledge is limited to 93-99, and they have no such gravel guard, unless you mean the large pan underneath the engine/transmission. 93-99s have those, it is there mostly for noise reduction, although is does indeed provide some protection from road debris. I call it the 'diaper pan' -- you will see why if you ever take one off. The first thing I do is remove it, so yes -- no harm in doing that.

Not sure if you are automotively inclined, or even want to be, but if you take a crawl underneath there yourself maybe you can diagnose what they are talking about, or take some photos to post here.

Gravel in the differential?!?! The VW dealer said that? How do they know that? That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. Except for some (protected) venting, the transmission is sealed. The only way to get gravel in it would be to pour it in the filler (which it doesn't have). If indeed there were gravel in the differential, it wouldn't be gravel for very long, it would be sand, and make some very ugly noises in the process.

Transmission mount is a possibility, again depending on the noise and when it occurs. Bad/broken mounts tend to make a noise when you accelerate or decelerate, or reverse direction. Level of severity depends on how bad the mount is.

You will get some EV help here, but despite the name it is mostly a Vanagon crowd here. Much better is the ev-update group on yahoo, or Vortex 'Vans and Transporters -- All Years'

Good Luck! RonC

[RCB]

Take it to Freds Garage in Redwood City . Talk to John or Tom (brothers) and since they have been repairing VW's since water was deemed a liquid,they will tell you whats wrong. Very honest VW folks to do business with.

I have no idea whats wrong but I would think twice about a camping trip with a tranny that makes noise.

[Irene10]

Many thanks everyone. I will call Redwood City next week. The camping trip is already planned and thankfully it is only about an hour drive from the dealer where I have to go and get my van back from.