Front end rumble/vibration

RobnKathryn · Post by **RobnKathryn** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 12:45 am

My van's developed a problem in the last week; all fine coming home from the bash, but since then I've got a worsening problem.

There is vibration and a low pitched rythmic rumble coming from the front of the van, seems to be more on the nearside. Also there seems to be a tendancy for the van to pull quite sharply to the left when I let go of the steering wheel. In addition, and I don't know if it's related or not, but the van seems to be struggling a bit more and changing up and down gear more often than it did.

All these symptoms started at the same time. I suspect front diff problems or wheel bearing. I changed the front diff oil a year ago and checked the level....it seems fine.

Any ideas about how to go about identifying the cause of this problem, and curing it would be much appreciated.

thanks............Rob

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 12:54 am

Hi Rob, just a thought,if you have to drive the bongo again, and its still showing the symptoms (although, going from what you say, driving it doesn't sound adviseable) have a quick check with the back of your hand if the nearside front wheel seems noticeably warmer than the other,perhaps the calliper is sticking,or brake master cylinder leaking,which would mean there is not enough hydraulic effort to open the calliper(s) up again properly.

RobnKathryn · Post by **RobnKathryn** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 12:59 am

wow, quick reply for this ungodly hour bdc! Thanks for the the tip.......that sounds like a logical possibility that I hadn't considered...I'll check it out tomorrow and report back!

I couldn't work out why engine would be labouring more if diff or wheel bearing was the problem, but a brake caliper problem would explain that too.

Cheers

Rob

RobnKathryn · Post by **RobnKathryn** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:39 am

ok, I don't think it's a brake problem.......driven it this morning and there's no noticeable difference between brake temp on off and nearside. Also seems to be driving fine this morn! No labouring and normal gear changes.

Perhaps I'm just suffering mild paranoia! There's definitely the rumble and light vibration though....it's not that bad, still perfectly driveable.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 11:50 am

It may be an idea to get your local friendly mechanic to sit in on a drive when the symptoms occur? But sod's law dictates that it'll drive fine when he sits in with you

All i can suggest is that a proper "techie" like dandywarhole,or whoever else picks up on this thread, and can offer a decent suggestion.

I just pulled that idea from thin air,as it sounded reminiscent of an intermittent fault i had with a vw polo thousands of years ago (feels like it

)

Good luck!

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 4:45 pm

If it happens again then stop and jack up one of the front wheels. If the wheels turns by itself then the viscous coupling is at fault causing the transmission to windup, fight the steering and cause the tyres to "scrabble" which could cause the vibration.

I hope it isn't that and it's just a bearing but that noise wouldn't go away by itself whereas running round more left hand turns than right hand turns (or vice versa) would help cancel it out.

RobnKathryn · Post by **RobnKathryn** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:35 am

Thanks for the replies guys..........It really seems to be driving fine now; vibration is gone too! I still get a low pitched rumble, particularly noticeable when easing of the gas from 60ish. I get a high pitched transmission whine too, most noticeable at about 50mph, but this has always been there........done 40,000 miles in the van in 2 years and hasn't got any worse, so I treat that as normal.

I sort of half suspected the viscous coupling....just didn't want to admit to myself by saying out loud!

I'm just going to leave (nearly) well alone and see what transpires!

Rob