John - and everyone on this glorified party line -
A common symptom of low transaxle lubricant is that the car will "jump"
out of fifth, usually on a slight upgrade, but only when FULLY warmed up
(trans as well as engine: 30 - 45 minutes of road time on a summer day has
done it for me several times on my own as well as others' cars). If this
has happened a few times, top off the lube and it will probably be cured.
Sound usually changes during warmup, if it howls at all.
Otherwise, it might well be front wheel bearings. Jack up one side at a
time and try shaking the wheel that's lifted. Grab at 3 & 9 o'clock and try
pushing /pulling to feel for slack; switch to 6 & 12 o'clock and do it
again. If first shows slack, but second position doesn't, check rack and
tie rod ends. If both show play, it's probably wheel bearings. However,
they don't necessarily show play when they are at the noisy level. If only
top/bottom shows slack, check lower ball joint and strut bearings.
Mileage is pretty typical of time to replace them in my experience - my
'87 needed first one side & then the other around 118,000 and 123,000 miles,
and I just replaced one on my '89 at 154,000 miles - but I don't know if
either was done earlier since I don't have a long history on it. HTH.
Ron
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Lagnese" <[email protected]>
To: "The A2 list" <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 01, 2002 7:49 PM
Subject: [a2-16v-list] OT Howling Jetta
> Hi,
> My sister's 84 Jetta 5 ps 120k, has a wicked howl. It is definitely
> speed related. It howls with the engine off as well. It gets noticeable
> after 25-30mph. It doesn't change pitch noticeably when turning, as with
> wheel bearings.
> I'm suspicious of low tranny oil, or possible both wheel bearings. I
> drove it in the summer and don't remember any noise like that.
> Any ideas?
> Thanks,
> John
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